Guyana Times Friday, August 7, 2020

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4370

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

PRICE

Ocean View Hotel Scandal

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Owner demands millions in rent; claims he still owns old building worth $2.7B

WCD man P12 stabbed to death over name- calling

Page 3

Venezuelan teen arraigned for murder of Rupununi P8 miner

…this amounts to criminal conduct by APNU/AFC – AG

Blanhum back as Crime Chief as new Govt reshuffles Police Force CJIA incurs over $1B in losses since March closure See story on page 8

Page 7

— talks ongoing to resume scheduled flights — new Public Works Ministers

Shuman heads to Parliament as first MP of joinder list Page 13

Focus on reconciliation, constitutional reform – UK Foreign Secretary tells Guyana Page 11

Challenges facing new Government of Guyana P15 — Sanders

P14 29 new COVID-19 cases recorded — active cases now 327

P14 PNCR observes 35th death anniversary of founder

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, August 8 – 08:00h-09:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 7 – 06:25h-07:55h and Saturday, August 8 – 07:00h-08:30h.

Ocean View Hotel Scandal

Owner demands millions in rent; claims he still owns old building worth $2.7B

…this amounts to criminal conduct by APNU/AFC – AG

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy conditions interrupted by thundery showers in the mid-morning hours which will give way to light rain showers in the midafternoon into the early evening. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected for the rest of the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.58 metres.

High Tide: 06:40h and 18:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 12:36h reaching a minimum height of 0.66 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$45.17/barrel

+1.64

Rough Rice

$206.874 /ton

+0.07

London Sugar

$377.70/ton

+2.30

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$2064.30

$2065.30

Low/High

$2039.00

$2078.00

Change

+1.10

+0.05%

PNU/AFC associate Wilfred Rambarran is demanding rent for the Ocean View International Hotel which has been converted into the Infectious Diseases Hospital. He contends that he is the owner of the building, and not the Government of Guyana.

Even after expending AT LEAST $1.6 BILLION to refurbish a flood-prone building into the health facility, and then Government issuing Notice of Compulsory Acquisition, Rambarran is claiming that the APNU/AFC has failed to properly compulsorily acquire the property in accordance with the Laws of Guyana.

According to Rambarran, in a lawyer’s letter to the new Government, he is owed millions of dollars in rent. The letter, dated August 6, was sent to Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

by Rambarran’s Attorney, R. Satram of the Chambers of Satram and Satram.

Rambarran claims that although the previous Government issued a Notice of Compulsory Acquisition for the former Ocean View Hotel, he believes it is of no effect, because compensation has not been discussed or paid.

The Granger-led caretaker administration had initially agreed to pay some $13 million per month to use the facility for a period of 12 months, but then later issued a Notice of Compulsory Acquisition of the hotel.

Rambarran is claiming that the then Government never engaged in negotiations to purchase the hotel.

Moreover, compensation has not been paid or assessed.

This proprietor has informed the new Government that his property is valued at more than $2 billion, and he is demanding payment of all arrears of rent due in 14

The refurbished Ocean View facility

days.

Contacted on the matter, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said that, from all indications, without parliamentary approval, hundreds of millions of dollars were drawn from the Consolidated Fund for the project.

“That is a clear violation of the Constitution of Guyana and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. A deeper probe must also be embarked upon to enquire whether the monies so expended do not also amount to criminal offences, including misconduct in public office,”

the AG has said.

He noted that $1.6 billion was apparently spent on a property that is not even owned by the Government, as the lawyer’s letter has indicated.

“This must amount to criminal conduct. The nation was led to believe that this was State assets, now it is being revealed that it is apparently private property. To say that it boggles the rational mind is to put it most mildly. Of course, these are only my preliminary remarks, I am sure the Government will have a lot more to say about it in the next few days,” the AG added.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Impact of COVID-19 on education

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t is the first time in history that the world’s children are at home and cannot attend school due to the various lockdown measures imposed upon populations all over the world to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

With the end of the pandemic being nowhere in sight, we do not know how long schools would remain closed, how students’ learning would be affected, and the level of impact these closures would have on the education systems of developing countries such as Guyana. Already, newlyappointed Education Minister Priya Manickchand has indicated that the reopening of schools is dependent on a number of factors, including COVID-19 statistics. With schools in Guyana having been closed for months, Manickchand’s consideration on the way forward with respect to safety and protection of our children before the reopening of educational facilities is welcome.

In relation to the virus itself, no one knows for sure what would happen next. For example, key questions remain in relation to the source of the virus, whether it is possible for recovered patients to be re-infected, and how long it would take to develop and distribute a vaccine that would effectively combat the virus. Until these questions are answered, there would be no clear path in regard to moving forward. What we know for sure is that learning would indeed be lost, and this would certainly have a negative impact on students’ ability in general. The closure of schools and universities not only interrupts the teaching of students, but severely hampers key assessments or exams which are crucial to students’ moving forward.

While some countries are gradually reopening their schools to students, the majority are yet to do so, since there are new COVID-19 cases every day, and rising deaths are being reported.

Of the 195 countries that had closed schools as at midApril, several are yet to announce plans for the reopening of schools, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Of the countries affected by school closures, a few of them — mostly the developed ones — were able to quickly put systems in place to minimise the impact of school closures. For example, due to easy access to high-speed internet and the availability of the necessary resources, teachers were able to distribute work to students via online platforms, and also were able to engage the students using these technologies.

In Guyana, the caretaker APNU/AFC administration put very few educational systems in place to really help children who are at home. With the little that was in place, not every parent has the ability to provide this level of support to their child/children. Many families do not have a computer, and also cannot afford to pay for internet services to access the Ministry’s resources online.

Under the Peoples Progressive Party Government, the One Laptop Per Family Project (OLPF) was meant to fill this gap, but was unfortunately halted on the basis of politics. Going forward, given the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new Government and other stakeholders will now have to plan for the future. There is certainly need for this project to be revived, as many parents cannot afford to purchase computers for their children, to facilitate online learning. As a long-term plan, and with the experience of COVID-19, the new Education Minister will have to advocate for investments which would have to be made in building the kind of infrastructure needed to support distance learning. More and more, classroom learning is being supported by other platforms, including online.

As we have said before, while a definite date for the reopening of schools is not yet known, it is essential that educational institutions reopen in an orderly manner, in line with a number of pre-conditions. The Ministry would need to consider designing remedial programmes to cater for students who need to redouble efforts to reconcile with the curriculum, since not all students would have been engaged in doing work during the period they were at home.

Priya Manickchand, as the Education Minister, has over nine years of experience as a Government Minister. We have no doubt that she is capable and competent enough to quickly constitute an educational system plan that would greatly assist our children to return to some form of normalcy.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond Allicock meets with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Karen Vanslutyman-Corbin and Deputy Permanent Secretary Kim Stephen on Thursday at the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry

Would political appointees honourably demit office?

Dear Editor, Whenever there is a change in administration in any country, “political appointees” demit office.

Political appointees were chosen on the instruction of the political directorate, presumably because they have some sense of political, or ideological, or racial affinity with the ruling party and, by extension, loyalty to it. On change of government, they leave voluntarily, without being asked.

Even in a university in America, when a new President takes over, deans and directors of offices submit their resignations, but the tradition has been to instruct them to continue their service unless the President really wants them out.

Would appointees under the previous regime in Guyana submit their resignation now that there is a new Government?

The new President should have the freedom to make appointments in important bureaucratic positions, Government agencies, state corporations, foreign missions, and the university. All of these heads and top appointees, including the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of UG, should demit office. The President and his Government should have an input in selection to fill these critically important offices that were made in violation of the spirit of democratic governance.

The President and his Government come with their own agenda. They would like to implement their manifesto or programme the people vote for.

They would like to have persons

they are comfortable with in critical posts. Rather than wait to be asked to demit office, the officers should voluntarily submit their resignations.

I recall Hydar Ally resigned as PS (to the Education Ministry) when there was a change in administration. If I were appointed to head a department or a management position at UG, I would resign following a change in Government, especially if I were appointed under a caretaker administration. A new President must have loyalists (with competence) heading every department to execute his or her agenda, especially in a country like Guyana, where every major appointment is politically or racially aligned. Even a professional, non-politically affiliated person like me would not fit in with the goal of a winning party, unless asked to undertake a specific task.

Parties and candidate run for office to implement their agenda. What would be the purpose of winning an election if appointees of another party are running the affairs of ministries (or the Government) and the university?

Eyebrows were raised when appointments were made by the caretaker administration after December 21, 2018. I studied comparative and international politics, a field in which I earned one of my doctorates.

In my studies and readings, no caretaker administration, especially one that lost a no-confidence motion, ever undertook permanent appointments. They were all automatically considered to be interim or acting, and they all leave office upon com-

pletion of the election.

The coalition violated the spirit of democracy and the effects of the no-confidence motion when it made new appointments between December 21 and August 2, 2020. It was rather bizarre for a caretaker regime to make new appointments or renew appointments.

To the extent that professional standards are employed in making political appointments, they are limited to technical or program policy expertise. Any other appointment/appointments violated principles, morality, ethics, and decency, if not laws of the country.

What kind of (educated) person would want to retain a post if appointed by an administration that was a caretaker or held power illegally? It would be shameless to stay on. If they are professional and people of integrity, and if they are worth their salt, they would resign.

All those appointments were unethical, and the appointees should submit their resignation and re-apply when the positions are re-advertised.

All appointees or those hired between Dec 21, 2018 and August 2, 2020 should do the honourable thing and resign, and allow President Ali the option of retaining or replacing them, including at UG. As Freddie Kissoon pointed out, UG is in financial and leadership crisis. The Chancellor and VC should offer their resignation to the President. Both were somewhat ‘political’.

The Chancellor, Edward Greene, appointed last October, penned in an article that Burnham made enormous gains

in political support in the 1968 and 1973 elections. Anyone of integrity would know that is not factual. Burnham massively rigged the 1968 elections with phantom voters. And in 1973, the army was used to rig elections, opening fire against those who sought to protect the ballot boxes, in process killing two.

Greene left out both facts in his writing on Guyana elections, in which he claimed Burnham made gains. Greene should come out and apologise for those inaccurate statements, since he now heads a university. Those victories, as he described them, were frauds.

I am reminded that neither Chancellor JE Greene nor Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohammed, both appointed during the Caretaker regime, condemned the financial abuse at UG during the tenure of the previous Vice Chancellor.

(Silence is support for wrongdoing).

They did not even order an investigation or a forensic audit of the many allegations at that institution. One must not paper over complaints. They should step down, and let the new Government decide if they should stay on. A new UG board should be appointed, and it should be charged with selection for both positions.

Also, political appointees in other institutions should immediately submit their resignations. If not, they must be terminated. The law and principles of governance are on the side of the new President.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

Face masks are effective only when worn properly Dear Editor, Despite being amidst a fullblown pandemic, it is sad to see people not taking this issue seriously. Every time I venture out, I come across the same old sight that rattles me: despite the petrifying rise in COVID-19 infection, people are nonchalant and acting like nothing has happened, and going on their days as usual, with no care in the world.

Just last Wednesday, we saw Guyana recorded 12 new cases of COVID-19, and the total number of cases is now at an escalating 507 confirmed.

My goal in penning this missive is to highlight one troubling issue that I have noticed: a large number of people are either

wearing their masks the wrong way (noses out, tucked under the chin; around their necks like a chain; as a headband; draping down their ears like a giant earring), or not wearing a mask at all.

I will admit that wearing a mask is not always comfortable, and even more so under the scorching sun; but given the circumstances in which we find ourselves, I would much rather push through some sweat than to be attached to a ventilator.

Studies have shown that even while ventilators help you breathe, they sometimes lead to complications, such as lung damage, infections, vocal cord problems, blood poisoning and

amputations, just to name a few. So, the choice is clear as day - especially since so many studies have shown the effectiveness of masks (and wearing them correctly) in stifling the COVID-19 spread.

It is important to note how a mask works: it works to slow airborne or respiratory infections. First, it must be understood that viruses do not float around alone; they fly out of the mouth in droplets of moisture, and are heavy enough to fall within six feet or so. Any person within this range could get infected with the virus.

These droplets are so tiny that they float around on the air. However, wearing a mask creates a warm, humid space

between your mouth, nose, and the mask. Studies have confirmed that “if it feels hot or humid in your mask, then it means that it is working.”

In this light, when you speak, cough or sneeze, the large droplets do not have time to evaporate, and are thus captured by the fabric of the mask.

Of course, an individual viral particle is smaller than the weave of most fabrics, but any droplet that does get through now has less momentum, and thus is not able to travel far. In this way, wearing a mask -- and wearing it correctly -- is a sign that you want to protect others, and have them protect you.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

The balance of power has shifted Dear Editor, While many might think that the PPP/C is going to vindictively go after APNU/AFC misfits in just the same way they hounded us, I strongly object to that claim, and here's the reason why.

In the first place, it goes against the true nature of the PPP/C to be vindictive; it is simply not in the genetic makeup of the party. Ours is a party of building up, and not breaking down, of all the people, and not some of the people; so our goal is not to get even. The PPP/C will be walking the tightrope of development again.

In light of the foregoing fact, I would like you to pay strict attention to the following statements: When Dr Cheddi Jagan won the elections in 1992, he stated, "This is a victory for the people of Guyana." In 1997, when Janet Jagan won the elections, she said, "The people have won." Similar sentiments were echoed by Bharrat Jagdeo when

he took over in 1999.

In 2020, Dr Irfaan Alli used the very same words, "I will be president for all of Guyana”; words that speak to inclusivity, unity and progress. These are not statements of triumphalism, but ones that go straight to the heart of the PPP/C's Mission Statement.

Now, here are some of the things that are immediately urgent and of utmost importance: 1. Establishment of a cabinet and ministries, and hitting the ground running to do the work.

2. Putting together a budget that sets the economy moving.

3. Convening of Parliament.

4. Getting the economy back on track, getting people back into jobs. Incidentally, to those who spew the foolishness of the PPP/C being a racial party, I would ask them to cast a serious gaze at the RUSAL impasse and the successful way this government is going to bring an end to this issue. The so-called

union representative in Lincoln Lewis, who claims to "so love" the people of Linden, did practically nothing to resolve the issue. He was more interested in promoting the bullying politics of APNU, instead of fixing the ills facing the workers in Linden.

5. The reopening of the sugar estates and putting thousands of workers back into jobs, while at the same time getting production up again.

Hear me and hear me well: Prior to the APNU/AFC taking the reins of power, annual sugar production was approximately 248,000 tons, now it is struggling to make 79,000 tons. What a sin. That industry, through vindictiveness and spite, has been brought to its knees with all the associated evils of poor governance. It is a Herculean task to surmount, but we shall and will overcome it. Sugar brought all the non-indigenous peoples to these shores, it succored us throughout the years,

in the good times and the bad, hence this cornerstone industry must be reopened and reorganised, and restored to its former glory.

6. Power generation so direly needs making use of millions of cubic metres of gas that at the present moment is wasted.

7. Security in and out of our homes. The present state of lawlessness must come to an end.

Guyanese and all those who come to our shores must feel safe again. Security, peace and progress must take their rightful place in the hierarchy of things.

With the plethora of "things to do items" one would see why we cannot have as 'priority' the hows and whys to deal with those who wanted to rob us of our freedoms.

However, I am not in the least advocating a “leave alone and slap on the wrist softly approach” when dealing with the opposition. Far from it! These miscreants will be dealt with

Urgent need for risk management, internal auditing and a UG Diploma in Auditing Dear Editor, On the eve of the General Elections, on March 1 earlier this year, I had written a letter articulating the need for the new government to establish a risk and internal audit function in each government agency, to bolster oversight and accountability.

I would like to echo that call again, in addition to asking the University of Guyana to introduce a Diploma in Auditing programme I suggested over a decade ago at that institution, which was approved but never implemented.

Countries like Canada, Israel, Malta, South Africa, and Sweden, as examples, have all successfully implemented internal audit functions in Government Ministries, with effective coordination between internal audit and their respective Audit Offices. Huge monetary and non-monetary savings have been realised.

An internal audit function would provide risk-based and objective assurance, advice, and insight for a better-run ministry, to ensure the new policies of the Government are implemented, operations are effective and efficient, with economical use of re-

sources.

The existence of a risk management effort -- which entails a structured approach that aligns strategy, processes, people, technology, and knowledge to manage risks and uncertainties -- is now a best practice.

Resources are deployed to the greatest effect, while problems are identified long before they take root, ultimately leading to improved outcomes. The risk management effort would complement internal audit, and enhance internal oversight and coordination between departments; and would institutionalise robust decision-making, thus ensuring value for public funds being spent.

Traditional academic accounting programmes do not address the specific skills for today’s auditors in this era of technology, digital transformation, and big data world; and ever-changing risk, control, and governance landscape wherein auditors need to be smarter and most current.

My proposed 2-year Diploma in Auditing programme covered areas like financial statement auditing, Government accounting, public sector auditing, information technology auditing,

fraud auditing and investigation, operational auditing, and value-for-money auditing.

Moreover, with limited resources and technological advancements, auditors can be trained to audit smarter with real-time data and address problems instantly.

A well-structured and equipped internal audit effort, or even elements of it, is a critical element in public sector agencies, where it can cover areas not ordinarily covered by the Audit Office. Its mandate encompasses extensive financial, operational, value-for-money, systems, and special audits within that ministry.

Internal auditors at a ministry would garner detailed knowledge of that ministry’s risks and operations, and root out problems long before they explode.

Such knowledge can be unleashed to assess the economical acquisition and use of resources, efficiency of routines, and effectiveness in the discharge and application of Government policies.

An internal audit and risk effort can be tailored to local conditions, and would enable the Government to make smarter decisions and embed

a respect for taxpayers’ dollars within Government itself. As a result, all Guyanese can expect improved services, better value for their money, and smarter Government.

In addition, a 2-year Diploma in Auditing programme would attract students from around the Caribbean, as the University of the West Indies does not have such a program in place.

I am quite sure that, with the new Government now in place, reflecting the will of the Guyanese people, organizations like the World Bank, IMF, INTOSAI (International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions), the Global Institute of Internal Auditors, and IADB will be only too keen to help with these initiatives of mine.

Moreover, there are qualified people in Guyana who can be tapped.

I would be delighted to hear from interested parties on these suggestions. Please email me with your thoughts.

Lal Balkaran, Founder of IIA-Guyana and a past IIA-Toronto President

Who has authorised APNU to speak about Ali’s Cabinet?

Dear Editor, I have noted a media release from APNU+AFC titled, “APNU+AFC sees fraudulent ‘cabinet’ as Jagdeo rubberstamp”. Editor, I wish to remind Guyanese of the barefaced, two-faced, and disruptive nature of this bunch of hypocrites.

They started by saying “the noted…they naming of the various ministers, resulting from fraudulent elections”, and it made me wonder for a moment if these people are deaf, dumb, or just selectively dunce; because the High Court, the Appeal Court, and CCJ told them translucently that only AN ELECTION court can deem an election fraudulent. I am

left to wonder who authorised this bunch to label such issue.

Secondly, they lamented the appointment of Robeson Benn as a sad day for public security in Guyana when, in reality, their administration saw the highest number of prison outbreaks and burnt prison in any single-termed administration in Guyana.

Also, Guyana has a relatively small population, yet surfaced to have the fourth highest murder rate in South America under their Public Security Minister.

Also Guyana has seen a 23% increase in robberies without weapons, according to Guyana Crime and Safety Report (2020), and these people want to comment on President Ali’s

cabinet.

Thirdly, they said the PPP hid Kwame McCoy shamefully, when all Guyana could confirm the show called “Square Talk” which McCoy hosted for the past five years in front of Guyanese eyes. Additionally, he held a joint press conference with then Presidential Candidate Ali and Joseph Hamilton, and these are all things I am just brainstorming just to get this letter out to the August 6th newspaper.

Fourthly, they said Vickram Bharrat “lacks experience and competence” to head the Natural Resources Ministry. However, I would like to ask APNU: What were Volda Lawrence’s qualifications and experience when she

headed the Health Ministry, when you knew full well that Karen Cummings was a better choice?

Finally, they said many PPP executives were sidelined, when clearly President Ali said he would be naming members to head various departments of Government that currently their political appointees are occupying.

Also, I saw the misconstrued idea peddled to Guyanese that the Cabinet is a Jagdeo rubberstamp when the whole of Guyana knows, except the AFC, that their cabinet was a PNC rubberstamp.

Sincerely, Name withheld

swiftly and condignly. There are mechanisms set up to deal with such despicable people of the APNU/AFC cabal. I make reference to the workings of the agencies of SOCU and SARA, these are organisations adequately equipped to handle such circumstances.

Finally, the APNU/AFC cabal would have outlived its usefulness by attrition; that is, with the advent of the new polit-

ical parties into Parliament and into the constitutional makeup of GECOM, there would be a reduction of the powers of the “three” APNU/AFC persons.

The balance of power has shifted in favour of the activation of the democratic process being alive and well again in this country.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

First time we witnessed a peaceful transition Dear Editor, Heartiest congratulations are extended to the new Administration that is now going into power after a quite lengthy battle.

We have been taken on a road that caused much embarrassment after some didn’t want to abide by the law, and we have witnessed the extremes they go to in order to remain in power.

Many cannot comfortably say that they deserve to remain in office after the numerous blunders they’ve made, exposure of corruption and neglecting the population. Even though they’ve only had four years, much more could have been done.

The late Desmond Hoyte took over the reins of Guyana and did way, way better than what the APNU/AFC did, even though Guyana was in a worse condition than when the coalition took over.

The coalition has managed to not only mismanage the country, but also to empty the treasury, with nothing to show except the various banners of promises.

The ride on which they have taken Guyana should never be forgotten because, in the process, they have managed to ob-

tain massive pieces of land and money. I’m highly doubtful that any of them or their children would be seeking employment anywhere with the wealth they have accumulated. I only hope that this Administration goes after them to repossess what they have cheated Guyana and her citizens of.

Editor, whilst many would have lots of bitterness to express about the coalition, I must praise them for prolonging the transition. In 1992, when the PNC under the leadership of Desmond Hoyte lost the election, Guyana strayed, experiencing massive discrimination, looting, sabotage etc, after every election. As the coalition attempted to make various excuses to remain in power, many of those who usually motivate others to cause unrest gradually seemed to lose credibility with their supporters.

They discarded all trust in them, especially when many saw and realised that in the four years they had, their only focus was to enrich themselves. I only hope that this Administration steps up and ensures that voters don’t ever have to doubt their ability again.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

Face masks are effective only when...

FROM PAGE 4

COVID-19 is a public health crisis, and we need to work under the notion that anyone we run into could potentially infect us. This is the ugly reality of this epidemic! That is why it is advisable to stay at home; to venture out only when you absolutely must; and if you do have to go out, always practise social distancing, avoid handshakes and hugs, wear your mask, and practise personal hygiene. Greet people with a wave of the hand, or in the motion our Hindu brothers and sisters say, “Namaste”, or as Muslims say, “Salam.”

As for those who do not wear a mask the right way, they need to understand that their risk of spreading and catching COVID-19 increases. When the mask is not covering your nose and mouth, you are rendering the mask not very useful, or even potentially useless. When pulled down and left to rest under the chin, the mask gets in contact with the neck, and the debris and possible germs that have accumulated there is now transferred to the mask. For this reason, masks must be properly sanitized, or cleaned prior to reuse.

Masks are essential when around gatherings of people, especially since studies have found that many carry the virus undetected. If the mask becomes bothersome, I would suggest going to a secluded area where no one is around, so that you can take it off to get some relief.

Further, I wish to add that a mask is not necessary when you are driving with no passengers in the vehicle.

I reiterate that no mask cannot stop the pandemic on its own; it is best used in tandem with other safety measures, such as hand washing, personal hygiene, and social distancing.

In these testing times, when we are lacking adequate means of virus prevention, we have to rely on each other to stay COVID-19 safe.

In every pandemic in history, it is the actions and choices of individual people that have made the difference. And wearing a mask sends a message that we are all in this together; it is this feeling we all need right about now!

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

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Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

Power Up Maths Place Value

Æsop’s Fables for Children

In numbers, the value of a single numeral or digit is dependent on its place, that is – where in the complete number it falls.

For example, the 1 in 1000 has a different value than the 1 in 100. The 1 in 1000 is in the thousands place and the 1 in the 100 is in the hundreds place, so the first 1 denotes a value of one thousand and the second 1 a value of one hundred.

Example: In the number 246, the 2 is in the hundreds place the 4 is in the tens place and the 8 is in the ones place. So, 246 means 2 hundreds + 4 tens + 6 ones.

USE A PLACE-VALUE CHART This place-value chart shows the places occupied by all the digits in the number 372,859,812

• Expanded form: (2 x 1,000,000) +(8 x 100,000) + (6 x 10,000) + (3 x 1000) + (7 x 100) + (8 x 10) + (2 x 1) • Word form: two million, eight hundred and six-

In this number, the 3 is in the hundred millions place, the 7 is in the ten millions place, the 2 is in the one millions place and so on.

DECIMAL PLACE VALUES Decimals have place value too. Look at this place-value chart.

ty-three thousand, seven hundred and eighty-two

The number is 14.250 NUMBER FORMS You can write a number in three different forms • Standard form: 2,863,782

Exercises 1) In 65, 823, the underlined digit is in which place?

2) In 0.764, the 6 is in which place?

3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

In 5, 478, 340, which digit is in the hundreds place?

Write the following in word form: 10, 987, 654 The standard form of 87,654, 321 has the 7 in which place In 43.12, the underlined digit is in which place?

Write the expanded form of 5, 478, 340,

Paper Plate Marble Track You will need:

Paper plates Paper towel rolls Wooden blocks (optional) Glue

Instructions

Cut the rims off some paper plates.

Then, create a track design by using paper towel rolls as supports. Cut the first support at 0.5 inch, then 1 inch, then 1.5 inches, etc. Use glue dots to attach the supports to the track. In the track pictured, we supplemented with supports built from wooden blocks.

The track was a little tricky to set up, but we easily compensated for our steeper track by adding “guard rails” made from paper plate rims turned the opposite way.

We also added a jar lid at the bottom to catch the marble so that it wouldn’t roll onto the floor.

Note: Look for plates with a design on them and a smooth rim around the edge. (Adapted from frugalfun4boys.com)

The Wolf A

wolf had been feasting too greedily, and a bone had stuck crosswise in his throat. He could get it neither up nor down, and of course he could not eat a thing.

Naturally that was an awful state of affairs for a greedy wolf.

So away he hurried to the crane. He was sure that she, with her long neck and bill, would easily be able to reach the bone and pull it out.

“I will reward you very handsomely,” said the wolf, “if you pull that bone out for me.”

The crane, as you can

imagine, was very uneasy about putting her head in a wolf’s throat. But she was grasping in nature, so she did what the wolf asked her to do.

When the wolf felt that the bone was gone, he started to walk away.

“But what about my reward!” called the crane anxiously.

“What!” snarled the wolf, whirling around. “Haven’t you got it? Isn’t it enough that I let you take your head out of my mouth without snapping it off?”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CJIA incurs over $1B in losses since March closure — talks ongoing to resume scheduled flights — new Public Works Ministers

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

G

uyana’s main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation, has lost in excess of $1 billion in revenue since its March 2020 closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was revealed by newly appointed Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Thursday.

Days after Guyana had recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus - on March 11 following the death of 52-year-old Ratna Baboolall, who had recently returned from New York - authorities here closed all of the country’s borders, including the CJIA on March 18, in an effort to combat the spread of the life-threatening disease.

According to Minister Indar, the facility, located at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, has since been losing approximately $200 million every month.

“The report from the airport is that they’re losing 95 per cent of their revenue on a monthly basis -which is $200M per month -- because of the closure,”

he told Guyana Times on Wednesday following a meeting with heads of the various agencies under the Ministry, including the CJIA. Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, confirmed to this newspaper that the CJIA Corporation has lost just over $1 billion in revenues thus far this year. This, he noted, can be attributed to income generated from both passenger movement and airport operation.

“Income earned by the airport is directly related to passenger travel, thus all stakeholders would have also suffered losses during this period,” he stated.

Ghir explained that operations for the first three months of the year were good, but during the period April to July 2020, passenger traffic declined by 228,936 persons, or 95 per cent of passenger traffic when compared to the same period in 2019.

“It is prudent to note that the passenger and aircraft movements for the first seven months of 2020 were the lowest recorded in the last two decades (since 2001),” the CJIA boss has said.

Figures representing aircraft seats occupied between January and July 2020, when compared with the same period in 2019, revealed that the number of available aircraft seats was 229,126, or 132 per cent less than the 532,602 available in 2019.

This year, international aircraft landing has also declined by 137 per cent, from 2,380 to 1,005.

Regarding the movement of cargo, while the airport is closed to passenger movements, cargo operations continued, albeit in a limited

manner.

For cargo imports, there was a 19 per cent reduction: from 3,101,936 kilograms to 2,501,345 kilograms.

Meanwhile, cargo exports have declined by 22 per cent: from 1,652,028 ki-

for nearly 90 per cent of the airport’s exports. This sector has experienced a decrease in exports, from 1,499,087 kilograms to 606,889 kilograms, or 147 per cent.

Minister Indar also revealed that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is losing revenue due to the closure of the airports, viz the CJIA and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

“Not having flights in Guyana is affecting them as well. In fact, 93 per cent of the Civil Aviation Authority’s monthly revenue is gone; and at the end of August, they will not have any money left in their pockets,” the Junior Public Works Minister said this was related to him by the GCAA. Given the airports’ clo-

lograms to 1,294,391 kilograms.

The CJIA Head explained that while the overall exports at the airport show just over 20 per cent decline, a look at exports in specific sectors paint a far grimmer picture.

For example, Ghir pointed to exports for agricultural products, which account

sure, permission has been granted by local authorities for special repatriation flights. Initially, only departure flights were being allowed, to take foreign nationals who were in Guyana back home.

However, in recent months, special relief flights were operated to bring home thousands of Guyanese who

Junior Public Works Minister Deodat Indar

Owner demands millions in rent...

The former Granger Government embarked on transforming the floodprone building into a facility to house COVID-19 patients amidst much criticisms, especially since the Government was in caretaker mode. In fact, the details surrounding the deal were kept secret from the public.

It has been revealed that over $1.6 billion was spent just to renovate the building.

In fact, the former Director General under the APNU/AFC Coalition, Joseph Harmon, had stated that the Government had acquired the Ocean View Hotel property through a compulsory order.

“This notice is made pursuant to paragraph (2) (a) of the Direction by the President under the Public Health Ordinance. Cap.145, and published on the Gazette, Legal SupplementB, 16th March 2020,” the Order stated.

Further, Harmon was reported as saying that the fa-

cility would be set up for the long term. “Going forward, we may not have pandemics, we may have epidemics and so on; but going forward, that is going to be a facility for this purpose,” Harmon had said.

The facility was officially commissioned on July 30 by caretaker president Granger – two days before an election declaration was made and Dr Irfaan Ali of the PPP/C was sworn in as President.

But even at the time of its commissioning, the hospital was nonfunctional. At the commissioning, Granger claimed the facility was in receivership.

“This used to be a hotel.

The person who built the hotel was heavily indebted to the banks, and my understanding is that it is in receivership. In other terms, we don’t have a bottom line, and the Minister of Public Health and the Minister of Finance are quite aware of the level of expenditure, and Cabinet is convinced that the expenditure is justified,”

the caretaker Head of State has stated.

However, newly appointed Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday described the Infectious Diseases Hospital as a total disaster, since much work still needs to be done to the facility before it commences operating, or starts taking in patients.

While the new hospital was expected to relieve the burden of other public health facilities in the country, Dr Anthony pointed out that the facility was commissioned as a “shell”, and without any structure in place.

“This hospital that was recently opened is a total disaster, because it’s just a shell, and we’ll have to take a team in there and see what we’ll have to do to get it up and running,” Dr Anthony told reporters on Wednesday after he was sworn in by President Ali. Currently, there are neither medical equipment nor furniture in the building, nor has staff been assigned.

FROM PAGE 3

Guyana Times was previously told that the Public Health Ministry was transferring medical equipment from other smaller health facilities that were established to treat COVID-19 positive cases.

According to the new Health Minister, at a minimum, about 20 doctors are needed for the facility, along with technicians and other staff.

“We have a shell, and if we are going to be able to utilise that facility, then we’ll have to do some more renovations to put in these things like oxygen, centralised suction, and all of that. Plus, we’ll have to buy all the equipment, like beds, ventilators, consumables and a whole host of things…

What we have there right now, a person sick with COVID cannot go to that hospital, because there is nothing. So, to get that up to speed, we’ll have to do a lot more work,” Dr Anthony has said.

CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir

were left stranded in various countries overseas amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, it was reported last week that over 2,006 Guyanese, including students who could not return home as a result of the closure of airports, have been repatriated.

To date, there have been flights from New York, Miami, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Canada, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Suriname, Grenada and Curacao.

However, as the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government transitions into office, it was noted that more such flights can be expected.

In fact, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told Guyana Times during Thursday’s interview that the process for the operation of these relief flights has already been made easier.

“The bureaucracy that was in place for the approval of flights has been rectified, and the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field) has assured that flights would be approved in a timely manner going forward,” he posited.

Minister Edghill further disclosed that approval has already been given for the operation of repatriation flights next week, to bring more stranded Guyanese home. Eastern Airlines will be operating those flights.

Meanwhile, Minister

Indar added that the GCAA Head was asked to prepare a schedule plan for these relief flights. This, he noted, would not just make the process earlier for the operators, but would also reduce the high costs attached to the flights.

“When you schedule flights, it becomes easier for the airline operators to find flights. You can’t just give an operator approval two days before. It takes six days to get results back if you’re in the US or anywhere else. So, if you give a person notice for two days’ approval for flights, it really doesn’t make any sense and it’s costly, and everything else just goes up.

So, we asked (Field) to give us a plan for a scheduled amount of flights until the full or partial reopening of the airports,” Indar related.

Both Public Works Ministers explained to this publication that they are looking at the possibility of reopening the airports and recommending scheduled flights in a controlled manner, without jeopardising public safety.

Minister Edghill related that DG Field has been tasked with preparing a report, taking into consideration the position of the Health Sector and other key factors, with recommendations on the reopening of the airports. That report is expected to be handed over today for the Ministers to review before submitting same to Cabinet.

“We have also examined what is required for the safe reopening of the CJIA as well the Eugene F. Correia International Airport. Mr. Field will be coming back to us with some recommendations so that we can get clearance, and point us in a direction. Because we believe that even in the COVID environment, where measures need to be taken for the safeguarding of our citizens and our country, that needs to be married with the practical need for the movement of people and goods to ensure that our country is not at a standstill,” the Public Works Minister stated.

8 NEWS Blanhum back as Crime Chief as new Govt reshuffles Police Force FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

D

ays after Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the ninth Executive President of Guyana, there has been major changes within the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Only recently, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken had replaced Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham as head of operations. Graham had proceeded on pre-retirement leave. Further, Leslie

James, who served as top cop, has also proceeded on pre-retirement leave and as such, Nigel Hoppie is now acting Police Commissioner.

However, another shake-up will see Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum returning as Crime Chief – replacing Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston.

Blanhum was serving as Police Commander of Region One (Barima-Waini).

He previously served as Crime Chief from 2015, but was demoted to Deputy Commander of A Division in 2017 following a controversial Commission of Inquiry into an alleged plot to assassinate former President David Granger.

Blanhum’s demotion was heavily criticised since his stint as Crime Chief resulted in the reopening of many high-profile cases like the execution of fashion designer Trevor Rose and the 1993 murder e of Monica Reece. In a brief comment, Blanhum stated that he was happy to return as Crime Chief while

an honour to serve the people of Region One, and he also promised to perform his duty with integrity. He is expected to travel into the area today.

In addition, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royston Andries Junor will now be heading the Force’s Public Relations Department. Over the coming weeks, it is expected that the Ali-led Government will make more changes.

Region One Commander Jairam Ramlakhan

noting that he would continue to serve the country with pride and dignity.

Meanwhile, taking over the position of Commander of Region One is Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, who served as the Police Force’s Public Relations Officer for several years. Speaking with Guyana Times, Ramlakhan stated that his new position was of immediate effect.

He noted that it would be

Venezuelan teen arraigned for murder of Rupununi miner

Dead: Shadrech Martin

A

Venezuelan teen was on Thursday remanded to prison for the murder of 18-yearold Shadrech Martin, who was attacked and stabbed to death at a birthday party over a girl.

The 16-year-old miner appeared at Lethem Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Allan Wilson and was not required to plead to the indictment.

The court heard that on July 9, 2020, Martin and the accused were imbibing at Marudi Backdam, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) when a heated argument ensued between them over a girl.

During the argument, the foreign miner whipped out a knife and dealt Martin several wounds about his body.

As a result of the injuries, Martin reportedly collapsed on the ground, but was picked up by public-spirited citizens who rushed him to the Aishalton Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A team of detectives was subsequently deployed to the area, and the knife that was used to commit the offence was recovered.

The murder accused will make his next court appearance on August 27, 2020.

The Burnham…

Y

…touch esterday was the 35th anniversary of Burnham’s death, reminding us that more than half of our population was not around when the man held life and death power over the Guyanese nation. And he used that power to grind us all into the dirt just to satisfy his insane compulsions to “remould” us in his image!! To commemorate the occasion, David Granger rolled over to the Burnham Mausoleum at Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens, and mourned that he wasn’t able to duplicate Burnham’s “decade of development”, which occurred between 1965 and 1975.

Well, if ever we needed a reminder of how close we were to the abyss once again, that was it!! What exactly did Burnham do in that first decade of his long and bloody reign?? Well, there are the elections of 1968 and 1973, which he massively rigged!! He thus singlehandedly destroyed the democracy our ancestors had dreamed about for centuries when they were exploited as slaves and indentured servants. Some “development”!!

Stymied with his own efforts to rig our elections in March, one suspects Granger is expressing remorse at being unable to keep his vow to “fulfill Burnham’s legacy”!!

In 1965, Burnham dissolved the ethnically balanced “Special Services Unit” which the British Governor had launched in the wake of partiality shown by the Volunteer Force during the preceding riots, and launched the Guyana Defence Force with the likes of David Granger. He insisted that the officers swear loyalty to him, and as Walter Rodney wrote just before Burnham assassinated him, “Burnham’s megalomania is closer to comedy and farce. It takes the form of wearing a General’s uniform and hoping that the army will conquer his own people.”

Burnham also nationalised the Bauxite industry at Wismar and at Kwakwani in 1970 - and just after a decade, ran it into the ground so that the Alumina plant had to be shuttered and 1600 workers fired!! When Burnham was handed the government in 1964, Bauxite workers were the highest paid in Guyana, and were the cream of the working class…but it was Burnham who made them into beggars. The problem was that Burnham didn’t want competent persons to run the industry - just those who’d be loyal to him. As Rodney pointed out, “Burnham encourages around himself individuals who are weak or corrupt, because he then exercises vicious control over them.” We can now understand why the weak Granger was one of his favourites!!

Burnham’s epitaph is also best summarised by Rodney, who advised that, “Our language must express not only ridicule, but anger and disgust” when it came to Burnham.

And that’s why they ironically called him “King Midas “anything he touches turns to shit!”

Just like the “Sanctimonious Gangster”!! …Ego Did you wonder why is it that in all those pics of Granger saluting Burnham’s mausoleum yesterday, there were all those purple flowers?? Well, Burnham’s megalomania didn’t just have him ridiculously strutting around in a two-star General’s outfit - when he’d never even been a Boy Scout!! He also fancied himself as ROYALTY!! So his favourite colour was “purple”, the colour of royalty!!

We return to Rodney, who has some advice for the present generation on Burnham, whom Granger idolises: “Dictators have a way of building statues in their own image. When a dictator is overthrown, the population seizes the chance to destroy or remove the various things which were meant to glorify him. But (also)the population must learn to despise the falsehoods which surround the man; they must refuse to accept that he has any halo of greatness around him.

“They must remove any confusion in their own minds and see the dictator clearly for what he is — a villain and a monster, the principal enemy of the people!” …Image Finally, Rodney informed us: “In Latin America, the dictators are known as “gorillas” — as distinct from the freedom fighters, who are “guerrillas.”

We want it known that Guyana too has its “gorilla,” and that he is appropriately named “King Kong.”

That’s the real Burnham.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Health Minister to boost COVID-19 testing response …CDC hands over essential items to MoH

T

he newly-elected Government is now working to rapidly assess the needs of the Health Ministry, after taking up office at a time when cases of COVID-19 are rampantly increasing.

Moments after he was conferred with the instruments of Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday addressed the challenges as they relate to the country’s testing ability, especially in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

He acknowledged that the National Reference Laboratory in Georgetown would take more than a week to return a diagnosis, since it is overwhelmed with samples from across the length and breadth of the nation. This puts the country at a disadvantage, and creates room for a larger spread, he contends.

“When (the samples) come to Georgetown, the capacity at the lab is limited. In the interior, the turnaround time to know if someone is positive is a week to nine days, and that is certainly - in this pandemic - not good enough. By the time you make that diag-

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

nosis, that positive person may have gone somewhere and be in contact with a lot of other people. That is one of the things that have to be changed right now,” Dr Anthony related.

The Minister also related that the Laboratory is working with old medical equipment, which takes a longer time for samples to be processed. As such, they are seeking to completely revamp these operations to meet the needs of the country. This would allow for more tests to be done on a daily basis.

“Our capacity to test has been limited to test because, at the National Reference Lab, we have some very old machines…While there is

nothing wrong with the machines, it is the time that it takes and the way it is…You have modern machines that are available that can do close to 96 tests in an hour. So, one of the things that we’re looking at is how can we build the capacity of the National Reference Laboratory. We want to build that to at least 300 tests in 24 hours. With that kind of testing capacity, we will be able to test all those persons who need to be tested.”

They are also in talks with private medical centres, to assist with sample-testing. This will further enhance the number of processed tests and highly impact the COVID-19 response.

“We have also spoken to all the hospitals, and we’ll be working with them. One of the partnerships is to give them some of the kits that the Ministry has, so that they can also test people.

I’m hoping in the private sector we can lift their testing capabilities to about 200 tests per day,” the Health Minister posited.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission on Wednesday handed over a large quantity of essential medical supplies to the Health Ministry – a

Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig; Director of the Materials Management Unit of the Public Health Ministry, Cecil Jacques; and Deputy Director General of the CDC, Major Loring Benons

much-needed approach that has been requested by health officials across the country.

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, handed over the items, which included 5,730 N95 masks, 316,600 surgical masks, 46,250 rapid test COVID-19 kits, 200 overalls and 5,000 gloves.

The supplies were donated through a collaborative arrangement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), Jack

Ma Foundation, and the United Arab Emirates.

Guyana is one of 14 Caribbean territories to receive these supplies – which had arrived just a few hours prior at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on a special cargo flight.

The Director General expressed gratitude for the timely donation, since the CDC has been working over the years to establish a good relationship with local and international partners.

Director of the Materials Management Unit of the Health Ministry, Cecil Jacques, said the items will greatly assist in the protec-

tion of local front-line health workers.

“We have seen two doctors so far being tested positive, and we would love to assure those health professionals that, with these COVID supplies, there are adequate amounts throughout the duration of their care for those who are at risk,” he said.

Just days ago, newly appointed Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that the country will be benefitting from a donation of medical supplies which will assist in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gross mismanagement “Self-exile has ended” – Charrandas Persaud of NRM reported during hints at returning to Guyana “very soon” visit by new Minister C

GGB General Manager Eondrene Thompson, Natural Resources Ministry Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison, and GFC Commissioner Gavin Agard

T

he new Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat was on Thursday presented with a grim report from the various agencies within the Ministry which points to gross mismanagement of the sector under the previous Administration.

During the meeting with Heads of the various agencies under the purview of the Natural Resources Ministry (NRM), the Minister was informed that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) was presently unable to pay salaries for July to its staff and owed millions of dollars to the utility companies.

As such, the Minister suggested major restructuring at the var-

ious agencies to ensure that they function in a more effective manner.

At the meeting were Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie; Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Commissioner Newell Dennison; acting GFC Commissioner Gavin Agard and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) General Manager Eondrene Thompson.

The brief meeting was held at the Ministry’s Duke Street, Kingston office. The Minister is expected to meet with the management team and staff of these agencies shortly.

harrandas Persaud, the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) who voted in favour of the no-confidence motion which saw the toppling of the then coalition Government in December 2018, said that his “self-exile” has come to an end, and hinted that he would be returning to Guyana “very soon”.

“My self-exile has come to an end; COVID is holding me down now, and so I will be returning to Guyana at some point in time.

Guyana is home to me, it’s where my job is, it’s where my friends are and so some time soon,” Persaud said in a brief message on his Facebook page.

The former MP, who departed Guyana immediately for Canada on the night the coalition Government crumbled, said that he had no regrets about voting the way he did as the APNU/AFC had “neglected the people who put them there”, and the coalition was finally removed from power on August 2, 2020.

“What I set out to do, August 2, 2020 came to fruition. I voted in support of the no-confidence motion to remove the PNC and the AFCturned PNC; and they have been removed after a long 19 months,” Persaud said.

“I have been in self-exile for 19 months; I brought this upon myself.

I did what I did because I wanted to do it…I have absolutely no regrets,” Persaud expressed.

He related that the APNU/ AFC was defeated at the March 2 General and Regional Elections,

Former APNU/AFC parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud

because citizens lost confidence in their ability to govern in the nation’s interest.

The former MP noted that the APNU/AFC coalition now had five years to do “damage control” and if it did not, it “may never win another election” in Guyana.

“There is no more 28 years and no more 23 years, you may get a second term if we, the people, are satisfied with your performance, we may consider voting for you again,” he said in reference to the People’s National Congress’s (PNC’s) 28 years and the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP’s) 23 years at the helm of Government.

Turning his attention to the present PPP/Civic Administration, he encouraged leaders in the Government to look at the mistakes made by the previous coalition Administration and avoid them at all costs.

He posited that there was im-

mediate need for electoral, constitutional, and judicial reforms to ensure that governance systems are improved in order to meet the needs of citizens.

Persaud posited that staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) needed to be replaced with persons who could “assume a position of neutrality”.

He added that it was quite unfortunate that in spite of all that Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield has done, he was yet to be dismissed.

Meanwhile, Persaud congratulated President Irfaan Ali and his team, whom he said are quite competent to take Guyana forward: “I know you will do well: you are a beautiful team; you are a well-educated team; you are a powerfullyselected team. Make the Guyanese happy that is all I ask for.”

He noted that the task ahead was a “monumental” one, but he had “absolute confidence” in the leadership of President Ali and his team to make Guyana a prosperous country for all its citizens.

The APNU/AFC had moved to the courts to challenge the validity of the no-confidence motion on the basis of Persaud’s dual citizenship and that 34 votes were needed instead of the 33 in the 65-member National Assembly.

However, after many months of legal battle, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in June 2019, upheld the ruling of Guyana’s High Court that the motion brought against the David Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration was validly passed with the votes of 33 members.

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Focus on reconciliation, constitutional reform – UK Foreign Secretary tells Guyana

G

iven the events that unfolded over the past five months during the protracted electoral process, calls are now mounting for Guyana to undergo major constitutional reform with the United Kingdom Government being the latest to echo these sentiments.

In a tweet on Thursday, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was pleased to see Guyana’s election results finally announced and lauded Guyanese for their patience over the past five months.

He noted in his post that the “UK looks forward to working with the new Government of Guyana.

The focus now must be on reconciliation & taking steps towards constitutional reform”.

The UK Government, through its High Commission here in Georgetown and other senior Government officials, has been vocal on the protracted electoral process and stern in its calls for a democratic government that reflects the will of the Guyanese people.

Following the United States’ announcement last

month of visa restrictions for persons and their immediate family members who are responsible for or complicit in undermining Guyana’s democracy, the Foreign Secretary in a statement on July 17 disclosed that the UK had also begun discussions on imposing sanctions on Guyanese officials.

“Any government sworn in on the basis of non-credible results will face strong international condemnation

and consequences – we have started the process of putting those consequences in place,” the UK official had stated.

Five months after polling day, People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn in as Guyana’s ninth Executive President on Sunday after his party was officially declared winner of the March 2, 2020 elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Since then, calls have been mounting for Guyana to undergo much-needed electoral and constitutional reform.

Only Tuesday, the USbased Carter Center, which was one of the international observer missions here to monitor the elections, said the 2020 election was a true test of Guyana’s democracy and urged the new government to move quickly to undertake these reforms.

“It is critical that key leaders in Guyana now reach across the divide and work to ensure that fundamental electoral and constitutional reforms are completed as an urgent priority, well before the next election. Guyana’s political leaders spoke of these ideals during the campaign period, and the Center calls on them now to work together to realise them. An inclusive reform process – with civil society leaders playing a key role, and with strong support from the international community – will be essential,” the Center said in a statement.

Constitutional reform is one of the main issues outlined in the PPP/C’s 2020 elections manifesto. The

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

party has promised that it would advance constitutional reform with the input of the citizens themselves.

In its manifesto, it was not-

ed that it was important that the people participate in something as critical as revising the supreme law.

In fact, only on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet Ministers, President Ali recommitted to having this done.

He boasted that his team of Ministers have skillsets and experience that are of immediate importance, as his government moves to tackle imperative issues such as constitutional and electoral reform, among other things.

Under the previous coalition Government, the constitutional reform process had hit a brick wall and was stuck before a parliamentary committee.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WCD man stabbed Primary focus will be on economic cooperation, rebuilding ties – new Foreign Affairs Minister to death over name-calling N

A

miner was on Thursday stabbed to death by another man at Nine Miles, Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Dead is 36-year-old Seon Grant of Lot 36 De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Based on information received, the now dead man and the suspect were consuming alcohol at a popular drinking spot in the area in the wee hours of Thursday.

Both men left the shop around 01:30h. The suspect reportedly ventured off with his brother. As they journeyed to their camp, the now dead man rode his motorcycle alongside them and accused the suspect of calling him “names”.

It is alleged that Grant came off his motorcycle and started to assault the suspect. This eventually turned into a fight during which the suspect who was armed with a knife, dealt one blow to Grant’s neck and one to the

Dead: Seon Grant

right side of his abdomen.

As a result of the stabbing, Grant reportedly collapsed and was picked up by bystanders who rushed him to the Mahdia Regional Hospital. He was admitted in critical condition. While waiting to be medevacked to Georgetown, the injured man succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect – a 20-yearold chainsaw operator – was arrested, and an investigation was launched into the stabbing incident.

ewly-appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd on Thursday met with staff members at the Ministry, where he emphasised advancing Guyana’s foreign diplomacy and economic cooperation.

“As the new Minister, I’m excited to meet the new team,” Todd told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

He said the focus would be on transforming the country’s image to encourage economic cooperation.

“Generally, we need to start rebuilding our international image. So, our international diplomacy will be a priority for us; added to that, we will have to work on our economic cooperation,” the Foreign Affairs Minister

Newly-appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd in discussion with Librarian Colleen Waldron while Permanent Secretary Charlene Phoenix looks on

emphasised.

Minister Todd added that renewing ties with other nations was also important at this time. “We have to rebuild our ties, stimulating investment. We have a lot of plans in store,” he stated, adding that most of what would be taking place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry would be guided by the President himself.

The Minister said he planned to rely on the competent team there at the Ministry, as there was already a structure in place.

Previously, Minister Todd held the position of Assistant Dean in the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at Guyana’s premier educational institute, the University of Guyana.

Fast-tracking land titles a priority for new Amerindian Affairs Minister

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ewly-appointed Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has said her priorities include ensuring that the Land Titling Project, which had started under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration prior to 2015, is fast-tracked.

Sukhai, who took the oath of office as a member of President Irfaan Ali’s Cabinet on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), had previously served as Amerindian Affairs Minister under the Donald Ramotar Administration.

She posited that access to titled lands was a key con-

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai

cern for Amerindians and reminded that her Ministry had allocated funds to ensure that lands applied for

by Guyana’s Indigenous peoples were demarcated and titled.

Commenting on the present situation, she said: “There has been a setback, a pause more or less, and I intend to resume a much more robust attention to completing that project.”

The Minister noted that other priority areas included ensuring that Indigenous youths were provided with employment opportunities so that they could develop themselves and their communities and affordable housing.

“We have had gross neglect over the last five years, which we will have to work to transition into a much

more ease for the hinterland communities,” Sukhai told the media.

Sukhai expressed that the Ministry would resuscitate the entrepreneurship project which the PPP/C Government had started.

“I always believe in empowerment of the people.

This is going to greatly help in any national drive to bring on par those who are in a lesser economic position; and therefore, we will have to look to see how we will continue to invest in the area of entrepreneurship,” she explained.

She outlined that there were many potential areas where the Ministry will have to continue to focus on, as the Government’s aim was to transform the lives of people everywhere.

Sukhai also disclosed that the President had already placed immediate focus on addressing the COVID-19 outbreak in the hinterland communities, and efforts would be heightened to ensure that the disease was contained.

President Ali on Wednesday swore in 19 members of his new Cabinet, and among the lot are several new, vibrant and youthful faces, whom he said bring multifaceted skillsets and experience to the table.

“It’s a multifaceted fusion of experience and skillsets that we brought together… So, you will see many of the appointments in the various areas of Government that will fuse different corners of our society together, different interests of our society together, as we work on giving the people of our country the best possible outcome…

“You’ve taken, like I did, an oath to people of this country, and we expect nothing else but fulfilment of that oath,” the President urged his team.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Shuman heads to Parliament ExxonMobil donates $15M to VYC’s STEM programme as first MP of joinder list

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Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman

eader of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman, will be the first parliamentary representative to occupy the seat awarded to the joinder list, comprising of Shuman’s party, The New Movement (TNM), and A New and United Guyana (ANUG).

The three joinder parties collectively won a single seat in the 65-seat National Assembly following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and have since informed Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, in a letter dated August 6, of their decision to have Shuman, a former Toshao, be their representative in Parliament.

“We are pleased to inform you that the representative of the above-named Joinder Parties is Mr Lenox Shuman.

His name is on the approved list of Candidates for the National

Top Up List of the Liberty and Justice Party,” the letter stated.

The joinder parties – ANUG, LJP and TNM -- had promised to utilise their single parliamentary seat to support legislation and policies aimed at bettering the lives of the Guyanese people.

The numbers coming out of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections indicated that of the trio, LJP secured the most votes with 2657, while ANUG and TMN secured 2313 and 244 respectively.

Contacted by Guyana Times on Thursday, Shuman explained that he would use his voting rights at the legislative branch in the interest of all Guyanese, but he has particularly committed to advocating for indigenous peoples’ rights, since, according to him, the country’s first peoples are largely unrepresented in the National Assembly.

“I know that constitutional reform is big on the agenda for us; so is the revision of the Amerindian Act and the legalisation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use and large amounts for industrial use; and for a change in the fiscal management structure in Guyana, so that it transfers into a regional structure,” he explained.

“We said it time and time again: our position is the people’s position; if it’s good for the people, then there should be no reason why we should not support it; if it’s bad for the people, then we will obviously not be in a position to support it.”

Further, Shuman pointed out, “We have a constituency that is the indigenous grouping, and that is an agenda that we are going to pursue very, very aggressively to ensure that there is equity across the system.”

He thus reasoned: “If you look at the historical composition of parliaments… we are grossly unrepresented.”

In this regard, the LJP leader has said he would use his position to try to ensure Indigenous Peoples voices are heard.

The duration of the terms, according to the joinder agreement, stipulates that LJP would occupy the seat for two years, six months and 20 days, while ANUG would serve for two years five months, and TNM for 80 days.

The three parties had previously committed to acting as a broker between the Government and the main Opposition.

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xxonMobil Guyana has continued its support for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education afterschool programme being run by the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) by donating an additional $15 million to the programme.

This contribution will fund the afterschool programme until 2021.

It is part of an ongoing cooperation between VYC and ExxonMobil to enable online programmes for children during COVID-related shutdowns.

The Youth Corps is also seeking to transition to hands-on afterschool lessons once the country returns to normalcy.

The VYC organisation rose to the challenge of the pandemic-related shutdowns by connecting students online via ZOOM and other platforms, as well as by providing laptops and other devices to students who were not in possession of these resources.

Teachers, also, have been equipped to teach their classes online safely from their own homes.

Chief Executive Officer of the VYC, Goldie Scott, commented on the collaboration by saying, “Volunteer Youth Corps Inc anticipates the programme will still be able to achieve its objective to improve the skills and general educational competence of high school students through exciting and fun ways.”

Over 500 high school students from 11 different institutions, including the VYC Academy in Georgetown, will benefit from the programmes in the upcoming school year.

The Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana stated, “ExxonMobil Guyana is proud to partner with VYC to enable Guyanese students to keep up with their lessons during these challenging times.

“Educating our youth develops the leaders of tomorrow, and STEM plays a critical role.”

The Volunteer Youth Corps Inc is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that is dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth through access to quality education and social services in Guyana.

Since 2012, ExxonMobil has contributed more than $74 million to the VYC’s STEM afterschool education programme.

Last year, the company made five discoveries of oil deposits offshore Guyana. These discoveries have pushed the total estimated recoverable barrels of oil equivalent to over six billion. In addition, Exxon will be moving ahead with its Liza phase two project, which will contain approximately 30 wells, after receiving the requisite approvals from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Increased water consumption, but less revenue during COVID-19 pandemic — GWI tells new Ministers

The Ministers along with executive directors during the tour of the Shelter Belt Water Treatment Plant

The Ministers along with executive directors

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he new Minister of Housing and Water, the Honourable Collin Croal, and Minister within that Ministry, the Honourable Susan Rodrigues, were on Thursday welcomed at the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI’s) Head Office during their first visit since being appointed to head that Ministry.

During their visit, GWI Managing Director Dr Richard Van West-Charles introduced them to the GWI Corporate Management Team and made a presentation on the utility’s achievements and challenges to date.

Dr Van West-Charles noted that GWI has made many strides, including firsttime access to some 24,000

residents, reducing chemical treatment, drilling more wells, and the installation of 20,000 metres of pipeline.

He explained that COVID-19 has presented some challenges with increased water consumption and reduced revenue, but noted that the utility has managed to maintain a continuous supply to the populace.

In response, Minister Croal expressed gratitude to H.E Dr Irfaan Ali for entrusting him to head the sector, and noted that the visit is an indication of the Ministers’ readiness to hit the ground running in serving the nation.

Minister Rodrigues expressed similar sentiments regarding her willingness to serve, and noted that her

background in the private sector has groomed her to have a results-driven work ethic.

She said that with H.E Dr Irfaan Ali previously serving as Minister of that sector, there can be no excuses for not ensuring one hundred percent customer satisfaction and continuous improvement of the service.

Further, she added that

citizens are holding the Government accountable to serve, and that is precisely what must be done.

The Ministers were also given a tour of the Shelter Belt Water Treatment Plant.

The tour was led by Dr Van West-Charles and Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako, who were accompanied by other executive directors.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

29 new COVID-19 New Human Services cases recorded Minister on quest to

— active cases now 327

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uyana has recorded 29 new cases of the novel coronavirus in one day, which has raised the total statistics to 538 with a total of 327 active cases.

The Health Ministry on Thursday stated that the number of deaths remained at 22 – the latest of which was recorded on Tuesday.

Of the 327 active cases, 38 are in institutional quarantine and two persons are in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To date, 189 persons have recovered. The Ministry has conducted tests on 5165 persons with 4627 negative results.

On Monday, newly-elected President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony met with health officials from both the public and private health institutions at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

One of the suggestions that came from Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, was for a halt to illegal movement through Guyana’s borders, as it is evidently linked to the large increase in positive COVID-19 cases recorded recently.

Cross-border movement into the country has led to an increase in cases throughout the interior regions, name-

ly Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Region One (Barima-Waini) had also seen a large spike last month.

look out for the migrants and report their presence immediately to the authorities; on a personal level, I ask you to cooperate and comply with the regulations of social distancing and

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud interacts with senior staff

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uman Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud on Thursday commenced duties under her new portfolio as she met with staff at the Ministry’s headquarters on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

Persaud said she was looking forward to working with the team to advance the country’s social services

Earlier this week, Dr Persaud had explained that the spike in Region Nine particularly comes in the wake of the exponential increase in Brazil, where new cases and deaths continue unabated. Brazil has recorded close to 100,000 deaths with hundreds of new cases every day –- a situation which is beyond controllable.

“The health authorities are busily engaged in tightening the measures to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease. So, I plead with you to halt the illicit cross-border movement,

the hygiene etiquette,” the CMO cautioned.

His contention remained that further spread of the virus could be curtailed if the general populace abided by the regulations, especially those related to movement. The need for persons to cease cross-border movement has been voiced for many weeks, but much to the surprise of health officials, it continues.

The new Administration has already committed to more testing and a targeted response for the hinterland communities which face challenges of transport and medical facilities.

RadioShack opens store in Fogarty’s building

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adioShack Guyana will be opening its main store in the Fogarty’s building today which will make it the third outlet of the brand operating under Unicomer Guyana’s network of retail stores.

The Unicomer Group also operates RadioShack stores in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados.

RadioShack was first launched in Guyana in 2017 at the Giftland Mall and the brand has expanded its operations to include a smaller outlet in the Lucky Dollar building on Regent Street and even has its products sold in some Courts stores.

Now, as the brand continues to grow in Guyana, RadioShack is proud to open its largest store on the

advance social services

ground floor of the Fogarty’s building facing Robb Street.

RadioShack stores provide real solutions to consumers’ everyday technological needs and a unique and interactive shopping experience with staff who have expert knowledge about their products.

The range of products

available at RadioShack include TVs, Bluetooth speakers and transmitters, laptops and tablets, microphone sets, headphones, android boxes, fitness trackers and more.

Additionally, the chain also offers affordable and flexible financing plans to its customers.

sector, insisting that the welfare of the people was paramount.

In the company of Permanent Secretary Lorene Baird, the new Minister would be continuing to familiarise herself with departmental heads and their respective policies and operational guidelines.

Departments under her portfolio include Trafficking

in Persons, Child Care and Protection, Probation and Social Services, Gender Affairs and Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence.

Prior to her appointment, Dr Persaud served as a Member of Parliament (MP) on the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) bench. She is also the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

Former President and current PNCR Leader David Granger lays a floral tribute at Seven Ponds on Thursday

lage ingenuity and self-employment.

Burnham died 35 years ago on August 6, 1985 at the age of 62. “His ideals are not dead. His ideas on economic independence are as alive today as they were 50 years ago when they flourished,” Granger noted.

Meanwhile, the former President stated that it was his proud duty to have launched the “Decade of Development, 2020-2029” on January 1, 2020.

This, he added, was not done as an imitation, but, rather, as a continuation of the founder-leader’s work

he People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) observed the 35th death anniversary of its founder leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on Thursday with a wreath-laying ceremony at his mausoleum, Place of the Seven Ponds.

The main address was delivered by PNCR Leader, Retired Brigadier David Granger, who stated that Burnham, who served as the first Executive President of Guyana, was a visionary leader.

“Political independence, for him, was the gateway to the objective of economic independence. Economic independence necessitated the eradication of poverty, the elimination of inequality through education and the generation of employment through economic empower-

and a realisation of his vision for a prosperous nation.

“We, the heirs and successors, honour Forbes Burnham’s service to this nation. We recommit to the perpetuation of his legacy of economic emancipation and empowerment,’” Granger added.

PNCR observes 35th death anniversary of founder

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Granger addressing the gathering at the ceremony

ment,” the former President noted.

Granger added that Burnham initiated a transformative phase, which, in retrospect, could be deemed a ‘decade of development,’ from 1965 to 1975 and more so, encouraged self-reliance to stimulate local and vil-

NEWS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Challenges facing new Government of Guyana

By Sir Ronald Sanders

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he one upside of the challenges facing the Government of Guyana after a five-month impasse in declaring the result of General Elections held on March 2 is that the country’s economic growth in 2020 is projected at a whopping 52.8 per cent – surpassing all 26 Latin American and Caribbean States. This trend is likely to continue for many years to come.

Guyana has become a hotbed for new oil and gas production. Since 2015, there have been 19 oil discoveries, resulting in estimated recoverable petroleum resources of more than eight billion barrels. Between December 2019 and June 2020, this newly-found wealth in oil and gas provided the Government US$95 million in royalties paid by ExxonMobil from its first two oil sales.

Money could go a very long way to alleviate the circumstances of the Guyanese people who, since the 1980s, have been the second poorest in the Caribbean; Haitians being the poorest. Per capita income in 2018 was US$4760, less than half the average for the Latin American and Caribbean region. A 2014 World Bank survey identified “not enough money” as the most significant fac-

tor limiting financial inclusion in Guyana. It also said that low per capita income is only part of the problem; skewed income distribution toward the wealthiest is also significant.

Income levels should now increase, improving living standards for all, particularly the poor. But that depends on how well the oil revenues are managed and how equitably they are distributed in Guyana’s society where race has been a more defining characteristic than class. This will be the first challenge that Guyana’s new president, Irfaan Ali, and his government will face. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, now a vice president, has said that the new government would establish a petroleum commission “to ensure the sector is not subjected to undue political interference”. This development would go some way to assuaging fears about the management of the oil and gas revenues.

The Government will also have to respond appropriately to demands by civil society groups, which are not always well-informed – for a better deal with the giant oil companies now engaged in exploration and production. This will include improved public information on the existing contracts and on any new arrangements that might be made. Early action on

Sir Ronald Sanders

this matter could douse the flames of criticism that have been fanned, particularly over the past two years.

Managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is also a major and urgent challenge. At the time of writing, Guyana has confirmed 497 cases of which 186 persons have recovered and 22 have died. However, the picture is not clear. The five-month impasse over declaring the result of the March 2 Guyana elections, coincided with the spread of the coronavirus. With no elected government in place, controlling the disease was less than adequate and a huge spike was recorded in July. The new Government will have to get an early handle on the situation to prevent a back-

Dismissal of Public Works’ engineer

Court orders that engineer be granted permanent employment – still off job 2 years later

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he High Court has ordered the reinstatement of engineer Latchman Singh, who was relieved of his duties two years ago after the then Regional Executive Officer (REO) failed to submit the requisite documentation to appoint him as a permanent staff.

On rotation between Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Singh was approved as a permanent employee when his contractual agreement was about to end back in August 2018. The then Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Eight, Gavin Gunga, was tasked with submitting to the Commission the relevant documentation to confirm Singh’s appointment, but this was not done.

As such, when Singh turned up for work on September 1, 2018 as a permanent staff, the Regional Democratic Council contended that they were not in receipt of any communique from the Commission, and he was sent home.

The Commission later confirmed that the documentation had indeed been sent,

Former Region Eight REO Gavin Gunga

but the RDC was adamant that they were not in possession of same, although he had promised that once they receive the documents, the appointment would be made.

During the time to address the matter, the RDC refused to allow Singh to occupy his office, and he was forced out of employment without any gratuity, as mandated through his tenure as a contractual employee.

As such, Singh sought to challenge the mat-

ter through his Attorney, Arudranauth Gossai.

On June 5, 2020, before High Court Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, an order was issued for him to be paid $924,000 in gratuity.

The Court Order also directed the new REO, Mitzy Campbell, to submit all documents to the Public Service Commission for the finalisation of his permanent employment.

Since the order was served, only the gratuity has been paid, but the RDC has failed to comply with the other instructions. Singh has signalled his intention to initiate additional legal action for breach of the order.

Back in 2019, Singh told Guyana Times that this was a grave injustice and discrimination against him, while noting that he has a family to support.

He expressed the conviction that he was being victimised because he had disclosed malpractice and misappropriation of Government funds by the REO of Region Two at a Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting in 2018.

lash from a populace that has tolerated it only because of their greater anxiety over the threats to their peace and security posed by the five-month uncertainty over the elections result.

The electoral machinery has repeatedly failed the Guyanese people, largely because members of the Elections Commission are appointed by leaders of political parties. The Commission, therefore, is pre-set for a stand-off between the appointees of opposing sides, which played out between March 2 and August 2 this year. The way in which the Commission is appointed should be scrapped and replaced by a broad-based body, representing various sectors of the society. The involve-

ment of political parties could lead again to the fivemonth tense, and almost perilous, situation that the country endured while it awaited a declaration of results of the March 2 elections.

The biggest challenge of all, however, will be the establishment of conditions that address the fundamental issue in Guyana of racial equity. Guyana’s population of approximately 750,000 people consists of East Indian descendants (39.8%); African descendants (29.3%); mixedrace (19.9%), Indigenous Amerindians (10.5%) and other races (0.5%).

The majority of the population of African descent who supported the previous government, formed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), will view President Ali’s Government of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as a party of people of East Indian descent.

Unless these racial suspicions, which have abounded since 1957, are allayed by positive action, Guyana will exist in a state of persistent unease. Its governance will always be unstable until ethnic inclusion in decision-making and economic benefits are institutionalised.

Past governments, dominated by one or other of the two major racial groups,

have failed to deal effectively with this issue. The new Government of Irfaan Ali has the real opportunity to tackle it seriously. To do so will call for constitutional change and institution building, and it must start with the policies of the new government. Integral to these policies should be ethnic balance in the composition of Government ministries, statutory bodies, and the security forces, especially their decision-making positions. Authority should not be regarded as residing in the hands of any one ethnic group at the expense of others. Ways should be sought to institutionalise ethnic balance, including by enshrining it in the country’s Constitution.

In his brief remarks on August 2, when he was sworn-in as President, Ali told the Guyanese people, “We’re building a country for every Guyanese. There is no need for fear, there is no need for distinction based on political persuasion; no need for distinction based on religious belief or ethnicity. This is a government for all of Guyana and that is the way this government will operate.”

Making a reality of this pledge will be the new Guyana Government’s biggest task, but one which will bring even bigger benefits to Guyana if it is accomplished. (Caribbean News Global)

2 months later, no word on missing Police Constable – mother pleads for his safe return

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harlene Jordan, the mother of missing Police constable, Quincy Lewis, is pleading with those who have information with respect to the whereabouts of her son, to come forward so that he can be reunited with his family.

The traumatized mother in a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, said it is hard not being able to know where her son is or what has happened to him.

“It is hard, but I am trusting God that he returns home safe… I am trying to cope”, the woman said.

It has been almost two months since Police Constable Lewis of Lot 4315 West Minster, West Bank Demerara (WBD) went missing without a trace.

On June 19th, Lewis visited his home to uplift a few pieces of clothes since he was supposed to be inline. After collecting the items, he boarded motor car PTT 7541 and left and was not heard from since then.

Brother of the missing man Revon Jordon, had told this publication that he became aware that his brother was missing when the owner of the car he left in, came looking for him four days after.

Lewis’s family at the time said they were of the impression that he was inline since they did not hear from him. They revealed that it was usual not hearing from him when he is inline.

However, when they contacted his place of work, they were told that he did not turn up for work. Several efforts were made to contact Lewis’s phone but they were all futile.

The man’s mother said she is not aware of her son having any issue with anyone or if he has a girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Investigators had previous-

Missing Police Constable Qunicy Lewis

ly reviewed CCTV footage on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) which showed he crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The aggrieved mother said she has been contacting the police regularly to find out about the progress of their investigations.

The woman said the most recent called she made to ranks of the GPF was on Wednesday morning.

The Constable’s mother related that the police always promise to contact her, but she would most times have to reach out to them.

“I called this morning but I didn’t get on to the inspector, he was supposed to call me but it I don’t know if he was busy… most times I would be calling them”, she said.

She is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of her son, or the car he was driving to contact 677-6547, 680-1436 or the nearest police station.

16 NEWS Minister Manickchand engages senior education officials FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ew Education Minister Priya Manickchand has hit the ground running. On Thursday, her first official day at work, the Minister met with senior staff of the Education Ministry to outline her vision for the development of the education sector.

According to the Education Ministry’s Public Relations Department, Minister Manickchand had discussions with the Permanent Secretary (PS) Alfred King; the Deputy Permanent Secretaries for Finance and Administration; the Director

of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD); the Superintendent of Examinations, the Chief Planning Officer, the Head of the Buildings Unit and other senior education officials.

After taking the oath of office at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday, Manickchand said her top priority would be to consider the safe reopening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have to balance children’s right to be educated with our duty to make sure we protect the peo-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand during the meeting with senior officials

ple we’ve sworn to serve," Manickchand told media operatives.

Manickchand explained that she would examine best practices around the

world regarding the reopening of schools amid the pandemic to determine what

solution would be best for Guyana.

She noted that the task was not going to be easy but she is committed to working hard to ensure children's education was not in jeopardy.

Schools have been closed in Guyana since March on account of the pandemic.

However, schools had briefly opened to facilitate key exams for primary and secondary pupils.

Manickchand had served as Education Minister under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration before it lost power in 2015.

MCY&S staff committed to supporting “Corroded” sections of Mackenzienew Minister to advance sector Wismar Bridge prompt repairs

Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr during his meet-and-greet with staff

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ewly-appointed Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister under the Dr Irfaan Ali Government, Charles Ramson Jr, had his first meet-and-greet with the staff of the Ministry on Thursday.

Minister Ramson Jr was given a tour of his new

Main Street, Georgetown place of work by Permanent Secretary Melissa Tucker.

Ramson Jr received all assurances that the Ministry's staff stood ready to support him in advancing the development of culture, youth and sport in Guyana.

The Minister said, “The battle was hard but worth

it. It’s time to heal and unite, knowing that we are a changed country as we build the future generation of our beautiful people.

Thank you for all your support and faith.”

He explained that over the last five years, Guyana has had no proper leadership in culture, youth, and sport. As such, he relayed that he has a robust plan to transform and unite Guyanese in the area of sport.

Ramson Jr, 36, recently graduated from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, with a Master of Science Degree in Oil and Gas Engineering.

He previously graduated with a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, and LL B (Hons.)

Law Degree from the University of Buckingham, Buckingham, England, United Kingdom.

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he MackenzieWismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is under repair after it was detected the sections were under massive corrosion.

Speaking with members of the media on Thursday, Head of the Linmine Secretariat, Emmet Alves, related that enhanced repair works are being carried out to the midsection of the bridge.

The works are a collaborative effort between the National Industrial and

Head of the Linmine Secretariat, Emmet Alves

Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Linmine Secretariat, and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

Alves noted that this section of the bridge has been the most challenging over the years, resulting in it needing regular maintenance. Presently, two platforms on both sides of the bridge’s midsection aid in inspection and repairing of the bridge.

“Presently we’re doing repairs to the midsection of the bridge. This is the most troublesome area over the years. Between 2008 and 2010, major repairs were done. We realised a few weeks ago, whilst doing some preliminary work on the superstructure of the bridge - we realised that some of the sections below have corroded, and the metal was getting thin. So

Repairs being done to the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge

we decided to construct this platform which we have here. This would enable us to have access to the substructure of the bridge, so that we would be able to do a proper inspection and also conduct repairs as we proceed”, Alves related.

He added that the areas were pressure-washed on Wednesday, since there was a buildup of dirt on the structures. This, Alves noted, would aid in better inspection of the defective components. He explained that following inspections, it was observed that some of these components were severely damaged, and the agencies are moving to have them replaced.

“Also, we’re going to sand blast the remaining structure and put on a protective coating in-between so as to prevent further deterioration of the metal. So, we would be doing it section by section”, Alves noted.

The official further explained that scheduled maintenance of the bridge may continue, if required.

This, he explained, is usually conducted following the findings from inspections.

The present works are expected to last a few weeks; or, depending on the findings…, Alves stated.

“Depending on what we find under there, that would determine the extent of the work that would have to be carried out”, Alves stated.

He noted that the working platforms were con-

structed in such a way so as not to disrupt the regular flow of traffic on the single-lane bridge. According to Alves, the bridge may be closed only if any major issue is uncovered.

“What we expect generally is that we would be able to work whilst traffic is there. We’re trying to minimise disruption of traffic”, Alves said.

In the meantime, he noted that the agencies are working to improve the midsection of the bridge, which has also been considered a troublesome area by motor vehicle operators.

Local contracting company Paul Jones Construction was assigned to work along on the project.

In 2017, concerns were raised over the state of the bridge following deteriorating photo highlights by former Municipal Councillor Lennox Gasper.

As a result, the bridge was inspected by a team of engineers attached to the then Public Infrastructure Ministry, who deemed it “healthy for usage and structurally sound".

Nevertheless, the team of engineers had pointed out several issues below the bridge that were caused by the lack of maintenance.

There are plans to construct a new bridge to link Mackenzie and Wismar.

Just last month, four possible designs were unveiled during a virtual presentation by Politecnica Engineering and Architectural Company.

(Utamu Belle)

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Good Hope woman Region 2 Chairman returns to office hacked to death R F ifty-two-yearold Waheeda Shamshudeen of Lot 9 Good Hope, Ruby, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was hacked to death in the wee hours of Thursday.

Based on reports received, the woman, who lived with her son-in-law, was attacked in her home during which she was struck to her head. In addition, her head was reportedly severed and covered with a plastic bag. Her body was then covered with a sheet.

The attack, according to reports received, occurred

after her son-in-law, a newspaper vendor, left for work.

Her body was found by a second son-in-law after he turned up at her home to pick her up. The woman was slated to travel to Georgetown to see her son, who is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Her son, Guyana Times understands, was chopped on Wednesday evening by a neighbour during an argument.

The Police have launched an investigation into the gruesome murder.

egion Two ( P o m e r o o n S u p e n a a m ) Chairman Devanand Ramdatt was given a warm welcome when he returned to his office on Wednesday.

Ramdatt, after meeting with various heads at the State House in Anna Regina, was escorted by the Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah and other regional offices to his office at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building where he was well received by the staff.

Ramdatt reassured them that they should not be fearful of losing their jobs, noting that he would be on the job until the new RDC was sworn in.

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and staff of the RDC

The Regional Chairman told the media that the door to his office was tampered with while the electricity in his office was disconnected.

This, he noted, will not interfere with him performing his duties.

He said that his door was now once again open to

the public.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dennis Jaikarran after successfully breaking up the RDC in 2019, took away the vehicles of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

He even closed the door of the Vice Chairman’s of-

fice and eventually got them both to vacate their posts and took it upon himself to manage the affairs of the Region with the help of some of his colleagues of the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

able to adapt and tailor their social media presence while new businesses will be able to build from the ground up”, the GTA stated.

Through the training, GTA’s aim was to foster capacity building within the tourism sector, especially as an incentive for tourism businesses that are licensed or actively in the process of becoming licensed.

The training sessions included participants from Waikin Ranch, Duke Lodge, Beach View Hotel, Tower

Suites Hotel, Dagron Tours, Odyssey Sight-Seeing Tours, Sleep Inn International Hotel, Brandsville Hotel, Jaigobin Hotel, Stena Tours, Herdmanston Lodge and THAG. Meanwhile, Rosh Khan, CEO of SocialRank Media, one of Guyana’s leading digital marketing agencies, and President of the Masterclass Institute led both days of training.

GTA said with persons having to adapt to a more virtual environment, Rosh’s

methods of teaching allowed for more participants to attend. The Masterclass Institute is a Training and Development Institute located in Georgetown, Guyana which has trained over 10,000 people through its various programmes, workshops, and courses, including digital marketing.

Moreover, GTA say it remains committed to elevating the tourism sector and will be hosting a series of training programmes throughout 2020.

GTA trains 27 in business, social media management

T

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has trained 27 Tourism participants, in a one-day business and social media management programme.

According to the Tourism Authority, the programme was created for members of the local tourism sector.

The training that was held in a virtual setting on July 27 and 28, and utilized the Zoom platform.

The 27 participants were trained in areas of Business Fundamentals, Introduction

to Digital Marketing & Social Media Marketing, Understanding Consumer Psychology & Conversational Commerce, Simple Website Development Techniques, Social Media Channel Optimisation (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), Content Development (Written Content, Visual Content (videos)), Effectively Leveraging Travel Platforms (Trip Advisors, Booking. com), Email Marketing Strategies and Mastering

Digital Communication.

The tourism body explained that with the sector being amongst the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the local tourism industry makes use of the ever-increasing rise in technology.

“By tapping into this resource-rich pool, businesses will be fully equipped and prepared to maximise their operations and social media presence, among other digital marketing tactics.

Existing businesses will be

LJP extends congratulations to new Cabinet

T

he Liberty and Justice Party extends congratulations to His Excellency, President Dr Irfan Ali on appointing his cabinet. We also wish to extend hearty congratulations to the newly appointed Ministers and look forward to progress for every Guyanese.

Over the past 24 hours we have been in receipt of an avalanche of messages and

phone calls expressing dismay at what appears to be a lack of Indigenous representation in the current cabinet with a notable one (1) out of twenty-three (23) members being Indigenous.

Many have noted that this amounts to a mere 4 percent. Many have expressed concern also that in the previous administration there were four Ministers with three being senior func-

tionaries. The LJP acknowledges receipt of all your messages and phone calls expressing these concerns.

Additionally, we note your concerns and fear of having the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs reverting to its previous name – Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

We take this opportunity to inform our Indigenous brothers and sisters that His

Congratulations to President Dr M Irfaan Ali

T

he Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) extends warmest congratulations to His Excellency Dr. M. Irfaan Ali upon his election as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Your decisive victory is a personal triumph and we wish you success as you take up the responsibility to lead this nation.

Your Excellency, we look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our relations and foster close ties of friendship and cooperation.

Best wishes for your well-being and peace, progress and prosperity for the Guyanese people. The R3CCI also extends sincere congratulations the newly appointed cabinet.

We look forward to working with Ministers of Government to implement

and facilitate decisions that will develop the business community and by extension the country.

We would like to find an early opportunity to meet with policy leaders to discuss the potential synergies between the work of R3CCI and some of the initiatives identified, particularly for the business sector.

Once again please accept our best wishes on your new portfolios.

President Halim Khan

Excellency Dr Irfan Ali has repeatedly committed to an “inclusive” government with adequate representation from all races and segments of society.

Most recently at the swearing in of the Ministers of Cabinet, His Excellency has repeated a commitment to speedily appoint other levels of the administration in order to get the work of the Government on a fast track.

We remind our brothers and sisters that there are other vital roles at many levels of Government inclusive

of technocratic posts such as advisors, state boards and numerous committees where we are anticipating His Excellency may seek to include a more demographically representative force.

We also take this opportunity to remind our brothers and sisters and ourselves that this is only the first week since His Excellency’s swearing-in and already he has set a blistering pace towards accomplishing his promises.

While it is our duty to offer constructive criticism, it is also our duty to allow time for the full administration to

be appointed.

We wish to assure you - our brothers and sisters that we are anticipating that the wisdom and sensitivity of His Excellency to the Indigenous peoples will be demonstrated in his consultative approach with the people whose identity it affects before such a move as renaming the Ministry is cemented.

We know that the last 5 months have taken its toll on all of us. We ask a little more patience from you as we continue to take pride in being your representatives.

of Guyana.

We are optimistic that Dr. Ali and his cabinet will serve with distinction, honesty, transparency and full accountability to the citizens of our dear land.

We hoped that this Government will respect and promote all the differ-

ent religions and cultures as this will forged real unity in diversity.

We are confident that the cabinet will be a mixture of youth, experience and all ethnicity, thus realizing our motto of One People, One Nation One Destiny.

Executives of GIAA

Congratulations to the new Government

T

he Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association (GIAA) congratulates the PPPC for finally being declared the winner of the 2020 election and His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, being declared the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

Regional

Guatemalan ex-Economy Minister 2 UWI scientists charged with laundering drugs money appointed to international body

P

rosecutors in the United States have charged a former Guatemalan Minister with laundering millions of dollars in drug money.

Acisclo Valladares Urruela, 44, was Economy Minister in the government of President Jimmy Morales, who governed from 2016 to 2020.

His lawyer has not yet commented.

Valladares' father, who is the Guatemalan Ambassador to London, said the accusations were baseless and part of a smear campaign by drug dealers.

Acisclo Valladares Molina said a drug traffick-

Acisclo Valladres Urruela has been charged with conspiring to commit money laundering

er was setting up his son in revenge for the role the now-Ambassador played when he was ProsecutorGeneral of Guatemala in

the 1990s in paving the way for the extradition of drug smugglers to the US. "All the extraditions of drug traffickers are based on the legal opinion I issued as Prosecutor-General of the Nation (1994-1998).

Sufficient reason for revenge," Valladares Molina tweeted in Spanish.

The whereabouts of Valladares Junior are not known.

South Florida federal prosecutors have charged Valladares Urruela with "helping to launder close to US$10 million of illegal drug proceeds and other ill-gotten money". The prosecutors allege that

"during a four-year conspiracy, Valladares Urruela enabled the illegal drug trade by creating a demand for untraceable cash, cash that Valladares Urruela used to bribe corrupt Guatemalan politicians".

According to the Prosecutors, Valladares Urruela had three co-conspirators: "a major drug trafficker, a corrupt Guatemalan politician and a crooked Guatemalan bank employee". None of the three has been named in the statement released by the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Florida.(Excerpt from BBC News)

UK accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines in the Caribbean

T

he United Kingdom has come to the aid of countries in the Region by providing access to vaccinations for COVID-19.

The Foreign Secretaries of the UK and Mexico, Dominic Raab and Marcelo Ebrard, have stated that ensuring equitable access to vaccines, treatments and tests to all in the Caribbean and Latin America through international and regional collaboration, is the only solution to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

They were both speaking during a joint virtual seminar under the theme: “Accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean”.

They were joined by senior policymakers and scientists from across the region.

The event was co-hosted by the UK and Mexico on Wednesday, and highlighted the importance of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator to ensure global access to vaccines, treatments and tests to face

COVID-19.

Caribbean and Latin American countries were represented by Government officials from a variety of Ministries and departments as well as representatives of development banks and health alliances, who highlighted the need for collaboration between governments, international institutions and businesses.

“In order to end this terrible pandemic and kick-start our global recovery, we must make vaccines, treatments

and tests accessible for all, from Britain to Brazil, Ethiopia to Ecuador, Turkey to Trinidad and Tobago, and everywhere in-between,” said Rabb.

British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Janet Douglas said the interest in the seminar is proof of the urgent need for all countries across the hemisphere and across the globe to have equitable access to vaccines.” (Excerpt from CMC)

Arrest of Colombia's Uribe will not curb his power, but has focused party on reform

T

he house arrest of former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in a witness tampering case is unlikely to dim his influence, but has focused his party on justice reform proposals they say will bring more consistency to the judicial process, according to politicians and analysts.

Uribe, perhaps the country’s most divisive politician, was placed under detention by the Supreme Court in a unanimous Tuesday decision that cited potential for obstruction of justice.

The ex-President, who now serves as a Senator, has repeatedly declared his in-

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe

nocence amid accusations his allies undertook witness tampering in an attempt to

discredit allegations that Uribe had ties to right-wing paramilitaries.

It is the first time ever a Colombian court has detained a former President.

Uribe supporters say the case is a set-up and that the high courts are biased against him.

Kingmaker Uribe has shepherded two successors to power since the end of his second term in 2010, including current President Ivan Duque. Uribe also founded his own political party, the Democratic Center, which now holds more than 50 seats out of 280 in Colombia’s bicameral legislature.

The court has so far not barred Uribe from his congressional seat and he is still his party’s guiding light, said Democratic Center senator Santiago Valencia.

“He remains our leader,” Valencia told Reuters in a video interview. “Of course, it’s a hard hit for the party.”

Uribe’s detention will laser focus the party on a judicial reform already under initial discussion in Congress, said political analyst Sergio Guzman of Colombia Risk Analysis. The proposal seeks to consolidate the high courts into one and give courts budgetary autonomy, among other things.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Former PNM deputy leader blasts PM on UNC platform

F

ormer People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Nafeesa Mohammed has accused the party’s political leader, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of “disgraceful behaviour”, and advised him to “get some help”, saying he needed “serious treatment”.

Speaking on Tuesday evening at a meeting in El Socorro in support of the United National Congress (UNC) Candidate for Barataria/San Juan,

Mohammed took umbrage with statements made by the PNM political leader at a meeting in Chaguanas East.

“What really trip me off, I could not believe my ears when I got a clip of Dr Keith Christopher Rowley speaking at a political meeting, I think in the constituency that Clarence seeking to represent and he had the audacity to say that I became a senior legal adviser to the Prime Minister because I could not feed my family,”

she said.

Mohammed described the statement as “the most demeaning, disgraceful, disgusting statement”.

She insisted that what transpired was quite different: “You are telling me I was begging for a position to be a senior legal adviser, but you are the one who asked me to come and help you, you are the one who asked me to come and work with you.”

Mohammed accused Rowley of treating “women

with a certain amount of disdain”.

She urged him to “get some help, you need some serious treatment. You are a perpetrator of political abuse and I am not the first or the only woman in Trinidad and Tobago who has had to endure your disgraceful behaviour.”

She said she expected more of the person who held the office of Prime Minister.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Dr Michelle Mycoo and Professor Terrence Forrester

T

wo scientists from the University of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Terrence Forrester and Dr Michelle Mycoo have recently been appointed to the International Science Council (ISC).

In an announcement made by the ISC earlier this month, the two were named among eight distinguished scientists selected from around the world, who will comprise a Small Island Development States (SIDS) Liaison Committee.

According to the ISC, the committee will advise on strategic matters, such as mobilising input from the SIDS scientific community for the UN Decade of Ocean Science in Sustainable Development.

The members are also expected to bring other matters to the attention of the ISC so that representation of the SIDS scientific community is strengthened across the Council’s activities.

Forrester is currently Chief Scientist for UWI SODECO (Solutions for Developing Countries) and

a Professor of Experimental Medicine in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the UWI, Mona Campus. As a clinical scientist with a longstanding interest in cardiovascular disease – primarily hypertension – he is renowned for his work with, and dedication to tropical medical research.

Mycoo is a Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the UWI, St Augustine Campus. As an urban planning expert, her work, recognised regionally and internationally, is dedicated to pivotal inter-related issues such as land use planning, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water management and integrated coastal zone planning.

Their appointments are until December 31, 2021 in the first instance, and will then be reviewed for renewal. They will meet with other members virtually during the period and updates on the committee’s activities will be shared with other ISC members and via the ISC’s website. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Tensions flare, trucks burn in Chile´s Araucania region

A

rsonists burned more than a dozen trucks late on Wednesday during an attack on a factory in Chile´s Araucania, authorities said, in a region long convulsed by simmering conflict between the Indigenous Mapuche and the Chilean Government.

Local Police said at least 14 trucks had been burned, as well as some heavy machinery. A group that says it fights for Indigenous rights, Weichan Auka Mapu, claimed credit for the attack, Hector Bravo of Chile´s investigative Police told reporters.

Images on local television showed flames engulfing the vehicles and enormous plumes of smoke as emergency workers sought to control the fire.

About 1.7 million Mapuche live in Chile, mainly in Araucania, a rugged, forested zone of snow-capped volcanoes 400 miles south of the nation’s capital city of Santiago. The region has a relatively high poverty rate.

Indigenous activists say their lands are increasingly threatened by agriculture, forestry and other industries, and blame the State for failing to uphold their historical rights.

The conflict in the Araucania region has spiked in recent weeks, aggravated by increasing economic angst caused by lockdown measures designed to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Interior Minister Victor Perez said the group was clearly well-organised and that the attack was pre-meditated.

“There is no doubt that a group that organises an attack like this ... has resources,” Perez told reporters.

Last weekend, around 50 people were arrested, authorities said, after clashes and fires broke out near the region’s municipal headquarters. Mapuche protesters had been demonstrating in support of community members who have been incarcerated and on hunger strike. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Exxon: 20% of global oil and gas reserves may be wiped out

A

fter a grim Q2 season for big oil, the world’s third-most valuable energy company is warning that 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas reserves may no longer be viable, according to Bloomberg.

According to ExxonMobil, one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas reserves will no longer qualify as “proved reserves” at the end of this year if oil prices fail to recover before then.

A flurry of oil and gas companies have written off billions in oil and gas assets as the value of those assets in the current oil price climate is no longer what it once used to be. Exxon was not among them.

Exxon is currently reviewing its oil and gas assets, the results of which should be available by November.

But Exxon has caught some flak for not making many asset adjustments over the last decade, while its big oil peers have.

Exxon recorded its worst quarterly loss in modern history in the second quarter of this year, booking a loss of US$1.1 billion, compared to earnings of US$3.1 billion in Q2 2019.

Still, Exxon is not moving to cut its dividend, which analysts expect will cost the oil major US$15 billion. It is, however, moving to make some job cuts, pension matching contribution cuts, and other cost discipline issues, according to various sources.

A large portion of Exxon’s shareholders are retail investors; Exxon continues to make their dividend a priority.

Exxon was demoted from being the world’s second-most valuable energy company last month, as Reliance Industries unseated the supermajor from its long-held position. (oilprice.com)

Armed man takes hostages in French bank

A

gunman took six people hostage in a bank in northern France on Thursday and was still holding one by late evening, Police sources and media said.

An elite Police tactical unit was at the scene in the port of Le Havre, Police said, and a bomb disposal squad had also been deployed, according to one of the union officials.

French broadcaster BFMTV reported that a Police negotiator had made contact with the assailant.

The 34-year-old hostage-taker had a history of mental health problems and was armed with a handgun a national Police representative told Reuters.

The man initially took six people hostage, the representative said.

But five were subsequently released, according to French media and Denis Jacob of the Alternative Police trade union.

When the fifth hostage was freed, a man in a

pink shirt could be seen in Reuters television footage being led away from the bank by a Police Officer in full protective gear.

The hostage-taker was believed to have Islamist sympathies, two Police union officials said, but there was no official confirmation of this.

Militant attacks have shaken France in recent years, with four Police Officers killed in an October 2019 knife rampage in Paris and 130 people killed by coordinated bombings and shootings in the capital in November 2015.

Yves Lefebvre, head of another Police union, SGP Unite, said the hostage-taker in Le Havre, a town of around 170,000 people on the English Channel, was known to law enforcement authorities and on a security service watch list.

“We know that he has been radicalised and suffers a serious psychiatric illness,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

New York Attorney General sues to dissolve NRA

N

ew York's Attorney General, Letitia James has announced a lawsuit aimed at dissolving the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA) over alleged financial mismanagement.

James said the NRA had diverted millions of dollars to leaders including its chief executive, Wayne LaPierre, for their personal use.

"For these years of misconduct, we are seeking an order to dissolve the NRA in its entirety," she said.

The NRA described the lawsuit as a "baseless, premeditated attack".

James said that the four named defendants – LaPierre, Wilson Phillips, Joshua Powell and John Frazer – "instituted a cul-

New York Attorney General Letitia James

ture of self-dealing, mismanagement and negligent oversight at the NRA that was illegal, oppressive and fraudulent".

The Attorney General outlined a litany of charges against the defendants, but accused LaPierre, long the face of the powerful gun lob-

by group, of being the "central figure" behind the organisation's wrongdoings.

One example of misconduct alleged in the lawsuit states that LaPierre visited the Bahamas more than eight times by private plane using funds intended for the NRA, for a total cost of

US$500,000 (£380,000).

The corruption "is so broad", James said, that total dissolution of the organisation is necessary.

Responding to questions, James, a Democrat, rejected the notion that the charges against the NRA – closely tied to the Republican party – were at all influenced by her own politics.

"We followed the facts and the law," she said. "We've come to the conclusion that the NRA unfortunately was serving as a personal piggy bank to four individual defendants."

The case filed by James' office alleges more than US$64 million was lost in just three years as a result of the defendants' abuse.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump attacks China over virus as US Health Secretary heads to Taiwan

U

S President Donald Trump on Thursday intensified his attacks on China for its handling of the novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 700,000 people worldwide, as his health secretary headed to Taiwan for a visit sure to irk Beijing.

Trump, whose public approval ratings have fallen amid continued COVID-19 infection rates and econom-

ic woes, sought to shift the focus to Beijing, claiming again, without evidence, that it may have intentionally let the virus spread globally.

The Republican President, who is trailing Democrat Joe Biden in national polls ahead of the November 3 election, said it was a “disgrace” that Beijing had limited the spread of the virus at home, but allowed it to

reach the rest of the world.

“What China did is a terrible thing ... whether it was incompetence or on purpose,” he said, reviving a refrain that has strained ties between the world’s two largest economies and raised questions about a US-China trade deal signed in January.

Biden on Wednesday said the deal was “failing” after Commerce Department data showed the US-China trade

deficit widened by five per cent to US$28.4 billion in June.

Trump was scheduled to sign an executive order Thursday aimed at yanking back supply chains from China for key ingredients and supplies used to make medicines and medical equipment, said Peter Navarro, a key adviser and China hawk. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Peak yet to come”: Africa hits 1 million coronavirus cases

A

million people across Africa have now been confirmed to have had the new coronavirus, as health experts warn the peak of the pandemic has yet to hit the continent.

The sombre milestone, reported on Thursday, came more than five months after Egypt reported the continent's first confirmed case of coronavirus on February 14.

More than 21,000 people have so far died across Africa from the COVID-19 disease, while over 670,000 have recovered.

Last month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) voiced alarm at the "acceleration" of the disease in Africa, which until recent-

ly had remained relatively unscathed by the pandemic compared with the rest of the world – even as many experts believe the actual number of coronavirus infections is likely much higher.

South Africa, which accounts for more than half of the continent's registered cases, is the worst-affected African nation and the fifth worst-hit globally. Egypt is in second place with 94,000 confirmed infections, followed by Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, and Kenya.

"We haven't seen the peak in Africa yet," Mary Stephen, technical officer at the WHO's regional office for Africa, told Al Jazeera.

People affected by the coronavirus economic downturn line up to receive food donations in South Africa [Themba Hadebe/AP file]

"Since countries started relaxing lockdown measures, we have seen an increasing number of cases and most of these – more than 80 per cent – are coming largely from 10 countries," she said.

The virus has spread to all 54 countries on the continent of 1.2 billion people,

stretching already fragile healthcare systems and crippling economies.

But experts and aid groups believe the actual extent of the contagion is being underestimated because of a lack of testing and poor access to data. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Coronavirus: India becomes 3rd country to pass 2 million cases

M

ore than two million Indians have now tested positive for COVID-19, according to official figures.

The country confirmed the last million cases in just 20 days, faster than the US or Brazil which have higher numbers.

Testing has been expanded considerably in

India in recent weeks, but the situation varies across states.

Spurred by a low death rate, the nation continues to reopen even as new hotspots drive the surge in cases. But some states have imposed restrictions.

The recent measures include local, intermittent lockdowns, sometimes lim-

iting activity in specific cities or districts.

India is now the third country to cross the two million mark. It reported 62,170 cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total tally up to 2,025,409.

The country has reported around 40,700 deaths so far. While that is the world's fifth-biggest total,

experts say it is not very high given the country's population of 1.3 billion.

The Government, however, has been accused of undercounting Covid-19 deaths due to a variety of reasons – from lags in reporting to rules on how India determines if a death was caused by the virus.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

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ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Don’t take a risk when dealing with affairs of the heart. Stick to your plan, regardless of what others do or say. You’ll gain stability by doing what’s right and best for you.

Stop second-guessing and trust your intuition to guide you in the right direction. Positive thoughts will help you deter those trying to lead you astray.

Stay focused on what you are trying to achieve, and say no to anyone who is tempting you with anything that will interfere with your progress. Discipline and hard work will pay off.

Push your ideas and plans through. Be innovative, persistent and ready to challenge anyone who stands between you and what you want. Opportunity is within reach.

The attention you attract will invite criticism as well as praise. Be prepared to stand up for your beliefs and to follow through with your promises. Romance is favored.

The threat of emotional interference is apparent. A mistake will hinder reaching your full potential.

Clear your mind, and make practical decisions.

Know what you want and what you are willing to give up. Don’t try to change others or a plan that’s already in motion. Change your attitude and do what’s best for you.

The changes someone wants you to make will be for his or her benefit, not yours. Rethink your strategy, and consider what makes you happy before you commit to someone’s plan.

Know when to say no, SAGITTARIUS and you’ll have more time (Nov. 23to follow your dream. You Dec. 21) can wheel and deal, finalize an agreement or do anything else you fancy as long as you thwart interference.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

An emotional situation will put you in a precarious position with someone you deal with daily. Concentrate on getting concrete results.

Reuse and recycle.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Plan something special, celebrate with someone you love or pamper yourself.

Don’t let anyone coerce you into something you don’t want to do.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Someone’s response to your work or attitude will make you consider heading in a different direction. Wait until you have all the facts.

A premature move will be costly.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

21

Squads for Hero CPL confirmed T

he squads for the Hero Caribbean Premier League have been confirmed with all players and coaching staff now in Trinidad & Tobago. The whole CPL cohort will be in strict quarantine for the first 14 days they are in the country.

There were three players and one coach who have not been able to travel as a result of the stringent protocols in place to ensure the safety of the CPL cohort and the popula-

O

ne day after a few of the IPL owners had a meeting internally to discuss the standard operating procedures’ (SOPs’) draft sent by the tournament's governing council, it appears that the teams have begun activating their own protocols prior to departure to the UAE for IPL 2020.

Mumbai Indians have started quarantining their Indian players in a hotel, with regular COVID-19 tests scheduled.

Players who complete their quarantine will then be allowed to train at their facility in Navi, Mumbai.

The Rajasthan Royals also plan to conduct COVID-19 testing for their players and support staff over the next two weeks, prior to their departure for Dubai.

Another franchise has asked its Indian players to home quarantine as a precaution, while simultaneously initiating COVID-19 tests.

"Outdoor training is out of the question still. We're being cautious, and since everything is still very uncertain with regards to SOPs, we're awaiting a final confirmation," a franchise source said. "We have put forward our concerns with the IPL Governing Council; hopefully, everything

tion of Trinidad & Tobago. Every person was tested 72 hours before they travelled, in order to ensure that all members of the party were travelling virus-free.

One player based in Jamaica tested positive for COVID-19, and he had been training with two others, so all three were withdrawn. One coach based in Australia also tested positive before he departed, so he was not able to travel either.

will be clear this weekend, so that we can start planning."

Currently the IPL has laid out a stringent week-long quarantine process, along with four COVID-19 tests for players and support staff, before they can start training in the UAE. ESPNcricinfo understands that a number of franchises have sought a reduction in this quarantine period upon entering the biosecure bubble in the UAE. While the IPL schedule hasn't been announced yet, Sunrisers Hyderabad, for example, could potentially lose David Warner and Jonny Bairstow for the first two matches if they are to undergo the mandatory seven-day quarantine. Both players would likely be arriving in the UAE from the United Kingdom following the conclusion of the T20I series between England and Australia on September 15, four days prior to the start of the IPL season.

Meanwhile, the IPL has also put in place stringent measures for ad shoots and promotional activities involving players. Players are required to have a 10-day gap between their shoots and their departure to the UAE. The shoots can be scheduled only at ballrooms of a five-star

Michael Hall, CPL Tournament Operations Director, said: “These withdrawals are a sign of the testing protocols that CPL put in place working as they should, and while it is disappointing for the players and coaches involved, it is vital that CPL does nothing to compromise the safety of all those involved in the tournament, and the public of Trinidad.

“There have been other changes to the

hotel, in order to maintain social distancing norms, with a strict cap of five crew members allowed at the location of the shoot, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to prevent any physical contact.

The franchises are expected to meet the IPL Governing Council on Friday through video conference, while awaiting the finalised SOPs, which have delayed the

squads and support staff as a result of other logistical challenges with the difficulty of travelling at the current time.”

The tournament gets underway on 18 August, and will see 33 games played at two venues in Trinidad. The first match will see last year’s runners-up, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, taking on the Trinbago Knight Riders. The final will take place on 10 September.

departure of a number of teams.

Chennai Super Kings, for example, were looking at arriving in the UAE in the second week of August. That move stands cancelled because of the absence of a formal SOP. However, they have sent out a note to their Indian players to start arriving in Chennai once the IPL circulates the SOP. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight

Riders are looking at having Abu Dhabi as their base from August 21 or 22, with the overseas contingent of Brendon McCullum, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell joining the team from the Caribbean after their CPL commitments end by September 10.

Kings XI Punjab, too, are looking at assembling their Indian squad together, before flying out to the UAE. (ESPNcricinfo)

22

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Bakewell renews sponsorship of RHTY&SC cricket teams — 21 years of strong relationship continues in 2020 G

uyana's most popular bakery, Bakewell, has last Thursday renewed its longstanding relationship with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS. The company has, since March 2000, sponsored the RHTY&SC Under-17 and second division teams, and would, in 2020, be sponsoring those teams to the tune of $260,000. The two teams have, since 2000, won a combined 31 tournaments, and have been dominating cricket in the Ancient County over the last few years.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, at a simple ceremony to present the renewed sponsorships, done at the Bakewell Head Office at Triumph, ECD, noted that the company’s sponsorships have been a main reason why the clubs have been so successful and have been able to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, has said that in an era in which it is difficult to secure sponsorship, the RHTY&SC has been able to maintain its relationships with sponsors because of its record of achievements, honesty, accountability, and fulfilling commitments.

Foster disclosed that, under the sponsorships, the two teams has produced more than 50 players for Berbice, Guyana, and the West Indies combined. These include Assad Fudadin, Royston and Esuan Crandon, Renwick Batson, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Kevin Sinclair, Kevelon Anderson, Clinton Pestano, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud

Hilbert Foster of the RHTY&SC is here receiving the teams’ sponsorships from Natasha Bhikhari of Bakewell

and James Fraser.

Off the cricket field, the teams have successfully completed more than 1200 personal development programmes under the sub- headings of sports, culture, charity, youth development, community development, and social and religious aspects, among other things.

Among the programmes host-

ed have been father of the year, mother of the year, senior citizens breakfast project, Christmas village, Say No/Say Yes, patron fund, school bags, feeding of the poor, coronavirus hamper charity outreach, cricket academy, and summer educational camps.

With the BCB cricket season being on hold due to the current

Afghan trio set to miss CPL 2020 A

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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pandemic, these teams, along the eight other teams of the club, have distributed more than 2500 food hampers to less fortunate families across Berbice, and are also hosting the ongoing Basil Butcher Memorial project.

BCB Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu has committed the two teams to upholding their high standards on and off the cricket field. He disclosed that the club would meet shortly to name captains for the two teams, as the current captains: Kevin Sinclair and Jonathan Rampersaud, are no longer available to play at their respective levels.

Sinclair is now a senior national player, while Rampersaud in now an under-19 player.

Naidu has expressed gratitude to Bakewell for continuing to repose confidence in the RHTY&SC. He said the second division team has several finals to play in, once the cricket season restarts.

Bakewell’s General Manager, Rajin Ganga, has said the company cherishes its relationship with the RHTY&SC, MS, and this relationship would continue in the future, as the club has been outstanding representatives of the Bakewell brand.

He wished the teams continued success and urged the players to continue been disciplined at all times.

fghanistan international players Qais Ahmed, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and 15-year-old chinaman bowler Noor Ahmed are set to miss the CPL, which will be played later this month in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Qais, who turns 20 in less than 10 days’ time, was all set to play for the Guyana Amazon Warriors alongside Imran Tahir, while Gurbaz (18) and Ahmed were set to feature for Barbados Tridents and St. Lucia Zouks respectively.

Cricbuzz has learnt that the three players have been forced to skip the tournament because they do not possess a UK transit visa, which is required to board special chartered flights run by CPL from London to the Caribbean.

The players were supposed to be in Trinidad on August 1 in order to fulfill their strict 14-day quarantine time.

"It is a real shame that these players couldn't make it to the tournament, but this year, more than ever, it has been very difficult to secure travel. The borders into Trinidad & Tobago are closed, and CPL was giv-

GAW's Qais Ahmed Rahmanullah Gurbaz was signed up by Barbados Tridents for the upcoming season. © Getty

en special permission to fly in charter planes. The dates for these (flights) were fixed, and it just wasn't possible to get them here

Noor Ahmed

on time," said a CPL spokesperson who confirmed the development when contacted

by Cricbuzz.

The news is particularly deflating for Qais, who misses yet another lucrative T20 gig (US$40,000) after Gloucestershire scrapped his T20 Blast contract, believed to be around US$100,000, owing to the financial uncertainty surrounding the English game.

Biding his time in the sidelines, thanks to the presence of Rashid Khan in the national team, his mystery spin has helped to make a reputation of sorts for him as a T20 mercenary.

The rest of the Afghanistan players set to participate in the CPL are Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Zahir Khan, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb-Ur-Rehman and Naveen-Ul-Haq. (Cricbuzz)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

ASHMEAD NEDD: Eager to contribute to the fortunes of the Guyana Amazon Warriors

By Jemima Holmes

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have always been ambassadors for developing and exposing young local talents at “the biggest party in sport”, the Hero Caribbean Premiere League (CPL).

Over the years, opportunities have been given to such local superstars as

Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd; and those players have all gone on to make the most of those chances.

In 2020, the Warriors franchise handed a similar opening to two youngsters, Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd.

Nedd is no stranger to the local squad, having enjoyed a local stint with the Warriors last year. In 2020, his dream of officially being part of the local franchise was realised when he was drafted into the team. Over the past 12 months, the 19year-old has been making a name for himself, playing for the Championshipwinning West Indies Emerging Players team in the Regional Super 50, picking up 11 wickets in 6 games during the Under-19 World Cup, and being drafted by the Leeward Islands Hurricanes for the Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day tournament.

Being selected by the Warriors thus far represents the zenith of this left-arm orthodox spinner’s cricketing career. In sharing his emotions about being drafted, Nedd said, “It’s a great feeling looking at the draft and hearing my name for the first time in such a big tourna-

Ashmead Nedd and his father, Garvin Nedd

ment! I feel proud of myself. Over the past year, I’ve been performing really well, so I had confidence in making one of the sides.”

Speaking about how the past couple of months have been for him, Ashmead Nedd, son of National Youth Coach Garvin Nedd, shared how participation in the U19 World Cup has prepared him for such a huge tournament as the CPL. “It just taught me to be consistent. The hard work I’ve been doing in the nets when we have training ses-

field, I’ve learnt a lot, memorised it, and kept it with me.”

Being young and impressionable, Need is eager to learn from his teammates, especially outstanding ones like Imran Tahir and Chris Green. In this regard, he noted, “Well, looking at them, they’re very brave bowlers. You know, going into T20 tournaments, you have to be very brave.

Just being under them, be willing to learn from them, take in as much information that you can.”

Expectedly, the 19-year-old is enthusiastic about being named in the playing XI. In the event this materialises, he wants nothing more than to contribute positively to the team’s performance.

“If given the opportunity, my role is just to keep things quiet, as it’s T20 cricket you’re playing. But at the same time, you still have to be disciplined and give the team something to work with,” he revealed.

Like any other aspiring cricketing talent, the young Ashmead Nedd is pumped

and ready to officially be part of the CPL. Well, who wouldn’t be?

“I’m very excited heading into one of the biggest T20 tournaments in the world,” Nedd enthusiastically stated.

sions, always looking back (and) reflecting on past games, and there was an analyst there. So, it’s just the small things,” he said.

In 2019, Nedd and some other U19 players were given the opportunity to tag along with the GAW team in Guyana. Reflecting on this experience, the youngster explained that it has taught him a lot.

“Well, I’ve learnt a lot: looking at the way they prepare before games, the Nedd quietly way they break down their revels in taking a wicket innings bowling. In the during the U-19 World Cup

Minister Charles Ramson Jr hoping to reorganise sport in Guyana P

Recently-appointed Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

robed about the state of Sport in Guyana just minutes after his appointment as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, has described the sector as “disorganised”, and he says he is eager and ready to bring organisation to the vast sporting sector.

The new Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport has shared that he is ready to work along with the various stakeholders to revamp the lucrative sector.

Ramson, who only recently acquired a Master of Science degree in Oil and Gas Engineering from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, when questioned about his qualification for the post of Sports Minister, unsurprisingly explained that sport has always been an interest of

his.

“Most of you know that I have a very strong sport background. Even though I was doing Oil and Gas and speaking regularly on those things, I have always been doing Sport-related issues and Sport-related programmes,” he shared.

Minister Ramson Jr explained that sport can no longer operate in a dysfunctional manner, and all stakeholders and feder-

ations would have to play a part in reorganising the sector.

“We cannot have sport function in a way where it’s operating in an ad hoc manner. At one time, somebody thinks this is a good idea, or one group thinks this is a good idea. In order to create a sustainable sports development programme and a sport economy as well, (because sport is a business too), you need

a system that is sustainable,” Ramson Jr posited.

He shared that it is his intent to build up the human resource and talents of athletes, in order to create a more viable sport sector in Guyana.

“Sport is more than just about hobbies and staying fit; it’s far bigger than that. It’s one of the largest sectors in the world, and it can very well be transformational for the country as well, by being able to draw on our human capital and our capital as young people,” the Minister shared.

On Thursday morning, the Minister met with staff of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at that Ministry’s offices at Main and Quamina Streets; and in that meeting, he was assured that they are ready to support him. (Jemima Holmes)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

ASHMEAD NEDD: Eager to contribute to the fortunes of the Guyana Amazon Warriors

Squads for Hero CPL confirmed Page 21

Pg 23

CPL travelling party tests negative for COVID-19 T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League players, officials and administrators have arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, and have been tested on arrival. All 162 members of the party who travelled into Trinidad have tested negative for the dreaded coronavirus.

They will now be kept for 14 days in quarantine in the official hotel, during which they will be tested regularly.

If any member of the party is found to have contracted the virus, that member would be removed from the hotel and placed in further isolation, in accordance with the current protocols in Trinidad & Tobago; but as of now, all those who have arrived in Trinidad & Tobago are free from COVID-19.

Michael Hall, Tournament Operations Director, has said: “It has been a colossal effort by all involved to get everyone safely into Trinidad & Tobago, and we would like to thank everyone for their hard work and diligence.

Our main priority is the health and wellbeing of all those involved in CPL, and the wider population in the host country. To have got through this first step without any cases is encouraging news, but we will remain vigilant.”

The tournament gets underway on 18 August, and will see 33 games being played at two venues in Trinidad. The first match will see last year’s runners-up, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, taking on the Trinbago Knight Riders.

The final will take place on 10 September.

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